CN101167107A - MARM as a non-volatile secure memory for shock and ESD tolerance for gaming machines - Google Patents

Abstract

A gaming machine and system having MRAM and MROM is disclosed. MROMs for storing boot programs and other read-only code are formed by cutting write connections, or not providing PCB sockets to MRAM write pins, or by using a memory hub to prevent writing to MRAM. When the main machine power is down, the activity of various components monitored by the condition indicating board or other logging device is recorded to MRAM, which may be dual ported to the logging device and MGC. The various components may each have a dedicated logging device and MRAM. An MRAM associated with the brain box replaces both DRAM and NVRAM of common gaming architectures and has the dual function of being used for normal operation and as secure storage to aid in state recovery. So that data does not need to be prioritized during the storage process. Another MRAM associated with the back plane board stores data about the housing or terminal.

Description

The MARM that is used for the electric shock and the ESD tolerance limit of game machine as nonvolatile safe storage

Technical field

The present invention relates generally to electronic game machine and system, particularly, relate to electronic game machine and internal system or system architecture on every side and memory storage.

Background technology

Because being extensive use of of game machine, the industry of the multi-million dollar that is increasing that recreation place and other forms of recreation constitute has experienced significant transformation in the past few decades, and especially based on the game machine of electronics and microprocessor.In the exemplary game machine of for example video poker machine or slot machine, at first start and play games by object for appreciation family expenses money, credit or the stake of other labels, game machine is determined game result thus, game result is presented to the player, then according to game result, the award that may distribute certain type comprises the money award.Although for mechanical game machine and electronic game machine, this process generally all is correct, but electronic game machine is welcome by the player often more, more favourable to the recreation place, reason is many-sided, and for example the recreation of its increase changes, more attractingly dynamically presents and accumulate ability of more bonuses or the like.

Electronic game machine can comprise various hardware and software parts, with the performance that the various games type is provided and plays games.Generally be known in the art about these hardware and software parts.The typical electronic game machine can comprise hardware unit and peripherals, for example, and as cash inspecting machine, Coin acceptor, card reader, keyboard, button, control lever, touch-screen, move back coin device, ticket printer, player tracking unit etc.Game machine can also have various Voice ﹠ Video display units, for example, be used to show as loudspeaker, display panel, intermediate glass and top glass, outer cabinet decoration figure, light, top box perspective and arbitrary number various types of and play games and the video display of other integrated information, the type of such video display comprises, for example, cathode-ray tube (CRT) (" CRT "), LCD (" LCD "), light emitting diode (" LED "), flat-panel monitor and plasma scope or the like.Software part can comprise, for example, and guiding and initialize routine, various program of playing games and subroutine, credit and expenditure program, image and audio frequency generator program, various assembly module and randomizer or the like.

In addition, electronic game machine typically comprises CPU (central processing unit) (" CPU ") or primary games controller (" MGC "), it controls the combination of various programs and hardware and software device, for example parts and program, these combinations encourage to play games, allow that the player plays games on game machine, running game itself and control are paid and other award.Except a lot of other processors of machine interior, it is dissimilar that especially related MGC or CPU can use polytype internal memory or these storeies of memory storage.This class storer or memory storage can comprise, for example various types of random access memory (" RAM "), static RAM (SRAM) (" SRAM ") for example, dynamic ram (" DRAM "), synchronous dram (" SDRAM "), the non-volatile RAM of reserve battery and other types (" NVRAM ") and various forms of flash memory and RAM cache or the like, and polytype ROM (read-only memory) (" ROM "), programming ROM (" PROM ") for example, comprise and to wipe PROM (" EPROM ") and electric erasable PROM (" EPROM "), CD (" CD "), the special part of Digital video disc (" DVD ") and hard-drive, or the like.

Be used for the instruction of game machine peripherals and parts and other computer codes because design or adjust or the two needs is typically stored in the ROM of certain form.The a lot of ROM devices that are used for electronic game machine and peripherals thereof must in case it is programmed then, then be installed in this game machine or the peripherals from this game machine or the outside programming of peripherals at present.This standard is handled mainly has following shortcoming.One, specific installation usually need be to this ROM device programmings under special programming voltage.In addition, therefore most of ROM devices can not must remove the ROM device from this game machine for any reprogramming or renewal at " in the circuit " reprogramming, and then it needs some decomposition of other game machine parts usually, with the visit ROM device that is allowed.In addition, the ROM device must typically fully be wiped before reprogramming, and it is a time-consuming process in essence.Therefore, be used for a lot of game machine ROM devices, programming and undated parameter may be that problem or inconvenient is arranged at present.

As everyone knows, the ROM of a lot of forms is often relatively slow aspect access speed, especially about the device of a lot of SRAM and DRAM type.For example, the device of a lot of EPROM and EEPROM type has about 8 to 33MHz access speed, and the device of SRAM and DRAM type typically has about 133 to 800MHz or higher access speed.Even CD-ROM and hard-drive ROM device faster for example, often operating in the access speed about about 100MHz, it is still well below the device of those a lot of RAM types.Because a lot of game machine programs and process, comprise majority or all initialization, checking and other guiding, startup or similarly responsive processes, for reasons such as safety factors, must be stored in the ROM device, these processes are often relatively slow in the quantity that the time span of moving cost is used for the actual storage in the process relatively.The a lot of resources that typically load and move when in fact, modern game machine is in each their start or through bootup process.According to the quantity and the scale of the resource that must load, this process often spends several minutes and finishes, and this time is generally more advanced and complicated and increase along with game machine.

Though the most of resource that loads in game machine uses does not change, in a lot of authorities, in relatively slow ROM device, store these boot and other responsive programs and remain indispensable requirement and convention.In fact, in bootup process, there are a lot of such program and instructions to copy to DRAM or some other memory unit faster, like this, at the game machine normal operation period, when these programs are carried out for the first time and/or during repeated accesses, can be visited and operate these programs quickly.For example, great majority or all identifying codes leave among the interior one or more EPROM of game machine at present.In bootup process, because EPROM is slow relatively, this identifying code is replicated and is loaded among the DRAM of game machine and is further use from now on.Other programs and process are duplicated similarly, and potential authentication is stored in comparatively faster SRAM then, and DRAM or other memory locations are for using from now on.Design although it is so is the standard of game machine industry by generally acknowledging, but efficient is lower in essence, needs a plurality of storage unit and is a plurality of storage allocation spaces of duplicating of same program.

Owing to be used for providing the existing system of system architecture and memory storage and method barely satisfactory, improve receiving an acclaim usually and encourage in electronic game machine and system.In view of above-mentioned feature of much leaving over and intrinsic poor efficiency thereof, more effective, more convenient, lower complexity and safer device, system and method that nonvolatile memory is provided can be arranged preferably in electronic game machine.

In addition, many electronic game machines also comprise the power supply power-fail or the closing journal record of certain form, like this when the primary power power down of supplying with game machine or close, can detect some noticeable incidents.If provide, this class incident is similarly come record by the log recording apparatus of independent battery power supply with signal indicator board or other usually.This device is adapted to monitor the off line activity that some are selected usually, for example the opening of main-inlet, back-note feeder, fall inlet, skull or card cage inlet, the perhaps inlet of other keys, perhaps to the visit of game machine, like this when the primary power power down of supplying with game machine or when closing, if this type of thing takes place, recreation place or other game machines network operator can obtain notice.As is known in the art, under the situation of the pass key access of having carried out in power supply power-fail or down periods, can take suitable safety practice or other action.

Though said method is useful, because before the primary power of machine recovered, operation log recording device and maintenance record availability of data power supply were limited, the whole capability of signal indicator board or log recording apparatus also may be restricted.Many file layouts easily, DRAM for example, what need to continue refreshes keeping storage, thus under the powered battery environment this often very costliness is also unrealistic.DRAM can be along with the time loss battery, and the data stability that causes noting down under the long-time situation can not get guaranteeing.So other forms of storage can be used for the signal indicator board, flash memory ram is owing to its ability that does not need constant power to refresh the maintenance data becomes welcome selection.Yet flash memory ram also has shortcoming, is typically it and need removes to write page or leaf, and this needs very long cycle and more power.Owing to consider that power supply is limited, and monitoring events and the needed relative big power of record offline data, the corresponding crucial off line incident that operation note dish and other log recording apparatus is designed to usually only writes down actual "Yes" or "No" data, but other related datas are not recorded as number and other details of date, time, generation.When all power supplys of game machine all are resumed, only know that usually door specific when power supply is pent is opened at least once.

Though in electronic game machine and system, usage log record and memory storage are followed the tracks of with the existing systems and the method for recording power power down and close event enough, improvement normally receives an acclaim and encourages.In view of the foregoing, wish that more log record and memory device in this electronic game machine and the system have more function, at least about bigger memory capacity and record option, still can not produce the corresponding power level growth of any expection for these features.

In addition, many game machine network operators, manufacturer and recreation authority require to have electric shock and electrostatic leakage (" ESD ") tolerance limit to a certain degree in game machine, particularly for any " safe storage " method that backs up crucial game machine data.For example, these critical datas can comprise, the state of current recreation and result, various metering readings, machine setting, daily record, or the like, some of them or all these can be stored with nonvolatile memory " safe storage " device, like this, no matter when break down, have a power failure or player's dispute or other similar incidents can access these data to come when taking place again.Battery backup RAM is exactly this non-volatile " safe storage " device (being NVRAM) example that is used for polytype game machine for these purposes.Another feasible way of NVRAM problem is to use EEPROM, and it can not have to keep storage under the situation of stabilized power source.Yet, the use of EEPROM also has other drawbacks, and EEPROM has the very long access time, needs software-driven to make things convenient for access usually, can fail after hundreds of thousands time write operation through tens, this EEPROM equipment generally is not used as safe memory storage.

Design needing usually at a lot of NVRAM that long time period is stored crucial game information to be used for the battery or the standby power supply of certain form, with the non-volatile character of attending device.And much this class battery design is for lasting for several years, if in time do not change, ultimate demand is changed battery may cause a series of problems, comprises causing critical data to be lost.Simultaneously, use battery as strict again type and the quantity that has limited the storer that can be used for this purposes of standby power supply.As mentioned above, in the actual conditions, the power supply requirement that SRAM or DRAM are high relatively makes this class unit in fact can not use in conjunction with battery.Therefore limited relatively for the obtainable physical memory space of reserve battery ram set.In addition, in the middle of many ROM devices, the typical access speed of reserve battery ram set is compared with the device of SRAM, DRAM and other a lot of RAM types and is wanted slow relatively.In addition, as nonvolatile memory, may there be a lot of problems, for example because in the example of the game development environment of an opening, cause the problem of secure context to a lot of typical reserve battery RAM fixed storage methods.

About using NVRAM other problems also to occur as the safe storage of crucial game machine incident and data.It is typical repetition as safe storage for this use reserve battery RAM or other NVRAM devices, because identical or similar data is stored in other places of game machine for normal game machine operation, for example on volatibility DRAM.Certainly, repeated storage lacks efficient in essence, and works as and carry out record at a memory storage, and primary power power down before other pen recorders carry out identical or similar record, causes difference sometimes.For example, can lose in a flash once in a while at the particular game state of DRAM record, but on NVRAM, also write down this particular game state.For purpose of safety records encryption or verification and the process that safe storage device also comprises certain form usually, this can reduce the efficient of whole process.

In addition, the state of a plurality of relevant items may need to record various devices, for example permanent and interim instrument in the game machine.For instance, a lot of electronic game machines all have been equipped with instrument and the memory storage of a cover based on MGC or main processor board, and another set of independently instrument and memory storage are based on mainframe or physical terminal.Work as MGC, main processor board, perhaps the content of " skull " is by from game machine deletion and with other replacement the time, and this difference becomes clearly.Last cover instrument and memory storage move with output block, but back one cover instrument and memory storage can be retained in " backboard " of destroyed or the game machine that changed.As mentioned above, utilize the identical or similar project efficiency of multiple device recording very low, and the degree of inefficiency increase along with the increase of device that uses and processor type number.

Though existing providing " safe storage " equipment is enough with the system and method for recorded electronic game machine and system's particular state, improve normally to receive an acclaim and encourage.In view of the foregoing, wish that more this safe storage device and technology can comprise bigger memory capacity, more reliable and more effective, at least about the complicacy of the multiple safe storage process of the device number that uses, use and game machine status data storage and the reliability recovered from safe storage and normal operative installations.

Summary of the invention

An advantage of the present invention is to provide a kind of improved hardware structure and memory storage in electronic game machine and system.This by in electronic game machine or system or the periphery at least one reluctance type memory storage is provided, in a lot of embodiments, realizing, for example reluctance type random access memory (" MRAM ") and/or reluctance type ROM (read-only memory) (" MROM ").Point out in detail that as following this intermediate item can be used for replacing other memory storages of existing game machine, system and framework, and can be used for helping to make than existing more effective selectable game machine and system architecture.By this way, can obtain being used in electronic game machine, providing the more effective, more reliable of nonvolatile memory and faster device, system and method.

According to a lot of embodiments of the present invention, disclosed device, system and method comprise and be applicable to the acceptance stake, plays games and grant the game machine or the games system of expenditure based on game result based on stake.These game machines and system can comprise MGC, are used for communicating by letter with other game machines or system unit and also may controlling other game machines or system unit, and control one or more aspects of game play.A lot of disclosed games systems can comprise game machine, and the game machine embodiment of these and other comprises display and/or shell, be used within it or its around comprise internal game machine parts.Some embodiments can also comprise various input and output devices, for example are used for showing to the player display of game information.Various machines and system implementation mode also can comprise memory hub, to make things convenient for the communication between disparity items or the parts, and for example communication between MGC and the one or more memory storage.

A lot of embodiment of the present invention also comprises at least one certain type reluctance type memory storage, for example MRAM and/or MROM.In other RAM and ROM device, MRAM typically comprises the memory storage that can be rewritten, and MROM typically comprises the memory storage that can not be rewritten.This class device can be communicated by letter with the MGC of game machine or system, and can main related MGC.Can be replaced by other physical terminals that the player is given in game machine shell or recreation expression, for example display to the main association of MRAM or MROM device.The difference of this class may be very important, and wherein some memory storage is often used for specific MGC, and other be often used for specific game machine or game terminal.Communication between MGC and other various game machines or the system unit (for example MRAM or MORM) can be carried out indirectly by one or more memory hubs.In addition, MGC itself can comprise a part of MRAM or MROM in some embodiments.

In some special embodiment, game machine or games system can comprise that MRAM or MORM or the two comprise.This class MORM can comprise about at least one the important game machine program or the computer code of process, for example particular game application program, operating system, boot-loader machine, start-up course, initialization procedure, proof procedure, layoutprocedure and diagnostic procedure.In addition, one of them is applicable to that providing the data computer code of storage, 8MHz as MGC with the speed that is higher than 8MHz is the relatively slow speed of present game machine EPROM operation at least for MRAM that provides in game machine or the system and MROM device.In how improved embodiment, according to actual reluctance type memory storage and the bus configuration used, this speed can be higher than 33MHz, is higher than 133MHz, about 800MHz or higher.

In some embodiments, the MROM of at least a portion utilization can not be written into or be that its any code is changed in being installed to game machine or system.Can obtain such result by writing the physical discontinuity that can not write with unmodifiable part that is connected to MROM, for example write connection by cut-out, it may be the common physical conductors of writing on pin or the printed circuit board (PCB) (" PCB ") of MROM.Such physical discontinuity can also be inserted slot in the PCB in the game machine removedly by MROM, and PCB and MROM write pin without any to suitable being connected, and especially arrive the connection of any type of write device.When the computer code of game machine or system's operation is stored on the MROM, can carry out the physical discontinuity of writing connection of any this class to MROM.When all or all are undertaken by memory hub with communicating by letter of MROM basically, and, also can have The above results by make MROM can not write when immutable in memory hub control.This class is controlled at specific period or at any time, can stop along any communication of any write-channel to MROM.In some embodiments, memory hub can comprise special IC (" ASIC ").

In further specific implementations of the present invention, provide a main power source to provide power supply to game machine or system, at least enough be used in the acceptance stake, play games and grant expenditure.In addition, can provide " situation indicator board " or other similar log recording apparatus, be used for writing down when by primary power when game machine or system provide not enough power level, the details of the activity of various game machine parts.This class power level deficiency may comprise does not have power supply, maybe may be can not satisfy to carry out normal game operation, for example accept stake, play games and grant expenditure.For the data of storing this record can provide special-purpose MRAM or other similar non-volatile low-voltage random access memory stores devices.

In some version, this special use MRAM or other memory storages all can be by MGC and log recording apparatus visits, for example dual-port or multiport version, and other embodiments that comprise this special use MRAM or other memory storages only can be visited by log recording apparatus, in this case, after the power level of the deficiency that offers game machine was recovered, log recording apparatus can be used for providing to MGC the data of record.In other versions, the different log recording apparatus association of the game machine parts that each activity is recorded and he oneself, each is different non-volatile with him successively all, and low-voltage random access memory stores device is associated.Under any this class situation, MGC can be stored in the data of special-purpose MRAM or other memory storages with the speed visit that is higher than 8MHz.In how improved version, according to real world memory devices and the bus configuration used, this speed can be higher than 33MHz, be higher than 133MHz or about 800MHz or higher.

Various embodiments with log recording apparatus also comprise accessory power supply, are used for providing power supply to log recording apparatus during power down.This class accessory power supply can be battery, rechargeable battery or the network cable that is used to transmit power supply, or the like.In addition, log recording apparatus can be one " immediately " device, is applicable to the activity that monitors various game machine parts, and starts when detecting this class activity.Those parts that activity is recorded can comprise a lot of game machine parts, and concrete example comprises that main-inlet, skull inlet, bank note fall inlet, cash inspecting machine, bank note distributor, move back the coin device, Coin acceptor, ticket printer, touch-screen, frame, spectrum controller, player's tracking means and recreation runner.In some embodiments, at the voltage that is lower than 4V when MRAM or other memory storages write data, voltage range approximately from 2.7 volts to 3.6 volts about.

In another particular embodiment, normal game machine operation use for MGC, with the dual purpose that helps the safe storage of game machine or system state recovery when when game machine or system great the interruption being taken place, a game machine or an intrasystem MRAM are configured to store game machine data or computer code.The one MRAM can be mainly related with MGC and one or more miscellaneous part (for example memory hub), thereby, when MGC when game machine or games system remove, a MRAM keeps with MGC.In addition, can also comprise the 2nd MRAM in game machine or the system, the 2nd MRAM is main with the shell of game machine or for example some other physical units of the interior terminal of the games system of display are related.No matter whether MGC is also associated, and for related with shell or other physical terminals, the 2nd MRAM can be configured to the game machine data or the computer code of memory attaching.The one MRAM and the 2nd MRAM communicate by letter the two with MGC, can carry out this communication indirectly by memory hub.

The detailed version of this embodiment further comprises from the physical terminal of the shell of game machine or games system removable " skull ", and when skull is removed, is retained in shell or physical terminal " postnotum ".In this detailed version, skull can comprise MGC, memory hub and a MRAM and postnotum can comprise the 2nd MRAM.In addition, game machine or system go for updating stored in data or code based on the MRAM of second shell or terminal after game machine or the each recreation of system terminal.Also can select, after a recreation, after perhaps per three recreation or the like, can carry out this class and upgrade, wherein the frequency of upgrading after for example per 100 recreation in the present industry of the frequency ratio of Geng Xining is faster.

Various other specific embodiments comprise the method for operate game machine or system.A this method comprises startup or other reset conditions that realizes game machine or system, at the ROM related with game machine or games system is the computer code of program or process detection of stored, read the computer code of storage from ROM with the speed that is higher than 8MHz, and only do not carry out any other and duplicate, carry out game machine and handle from other memory storages based on the computer code of the storage of reading from ROM.Certainly, as mentioned above, ROM can be MROM, and reading rate can be a faster rate.This method can comprise at least in order to carry out the purpose of game process, does not produce the copy of the computer code of storage in any other memory storage.This method can also comprise the computer code of checking storage, and it can comprise the copy that only produces code for the purpose of verifying at other memory storages.Can carry out reading the MGC of the computer code of storage, and can not comprise not from any other memory storage and read the copy of computer code of any storage to MGC to game machine or games system from ROM.Following listing, game machine or systematic procedure can be bootup processs, perhaps can be any amount of other processes.

The further specific embodiment of the method for operate game machine or system can comprise the generation of the critical event that detects the state that influences game machine or system; In the data of given memory device stores about the material time of detection; Conclude based on the data of this storage and the particular state of game machine or system to read the data of storage from memory storage; Carry out normal game machine or system operation based on the storage data that read; Experience is to the great interruption of normal game machine or system operation; Read the data of storage successively once more from identical memory storage; Conclude game machine or system's particular state before once more based on these storage data that read once more then.In these class methods, conclude and conclude once more that step can be included in the data that show on the display of game machine or system at least about the part of particular state.After the experience above-mentioned steps, an additional step is to be provided with to set up stabilized power source and game machine or the intrasystem stabilized communication that is input to game machine or system.

The further more specific embodiment of the method for operate game machine or system can comprise that experience provides a period of time of the power level of deficiency to game machine by primary power; During such power down, detect the activity of one or more game machine parts; The various details of the activity that detects for this class during power supply power-fail are non-volatile to MRAM or other data recording, low-voltage random access memory memory storage; The power level that primary power offers the abundance of game machine is set then; Send to the primary games controller of game machine then in the data of the relative handle of speed fast record, for example 33MHZ or faster.Additional step can comprise from accessory power supply to log recording apparatus power supply is provided and during power down the monitoring various game machine parts activity, and when the game machine parts a monitoring detect activity, provide higher power level to log recording apparatus from accessory power supply.

The various details versions of any above-mentioned embodiment can also comprise further concrete assembly.For example, games system can also comprise and is used for game result is represented physical terminal to the player of games system.This class game terminal can comprise game machine, display and/or some other physical unit.In addition, in a normal game machine or system architecture, all or part of of MRAM can replace DRAM and NVRAM alone.Other details can comprise, be stored in all or part of game machine of MRAM or system data or computer code and be not stored in any game machine or system unit except MRAM, and have only one or the data of selectable a plurality of MRAM of being stored in or the copy of computer code.This class is stored in the game machine of MRAM or system data or computer code can comprise data about game machine or system state, and this class can not be stored on the MRAM distinguishing the priority of any data during the storing process about the data of game machine or system state.

The further detailed version of any above-mentioned embodiment can comprise the details of a plurality of above-mentioned projects.For example, to the great interruption of game machine or system or reset can comprise power failure, great electrostatic leakage, reset, the inclination and the physical damage of key hardware fault, critical software fault, critical component, these all are applicable to single game machine, complete games system or its pith arbitrarily.Critical event can comprise insert coin, insert bank note, insert that change is represented, measure to noncash, the selection of playing, player's input, part game result, complete game result, coin are withdrawed from, noncash is represented to withdraw from, or the like.Normal game machine or system operation can comprise that metering changes, metering shows, recreation is selected, play games, part game result, complete game result, gaming display, coin withdraw from, noncash is represented to withdraw from, the machine crop is calculated, information demonstration and data communication or the like.

After the drawings and detailed description below having seen, to those skilled in the art, it is very clear that additive method of the present invention, feature and advantage will become.Its purpose be to be included in the instructions all these class addition methods, feature and advantage all within the scope of the invention, and protect by appended claims.

Description of drawings

The accompanying drawing that this paper comprises is used for illustrated purpose and only is used to be provided as the disclosed possible structure that the invention of reluctance type storage unit system and method is provided in game machine or the games system and the example of process steps of being used in.Under the situation that does not break away from the spirit and scope of the present invention, these accompanying drawings never limit the change of the present invention being carried out in form and details by those of ordinary skill in the art.

Fig. 1 shows the skeleton view of an exemplary game machine;

Fig. 2 shows the block scheme of exemplary part hardware structure of the game machine of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 shows the process flow diagram of illustrative methods that starts or restart the game machine of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 shows the block scheme of the exemplary part hardware structure of the professional game machine with reluctance type memory storage according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 5 shows the block scheme of another selectable exemplary part hardware structure of the professional game machine with reluctance type memory storage of another embodiment according to the present invention;

Fig. 6 provides the pith that does not have replicating code according to an embodiment of the present invention to arrive memory location faster, starts the process flow diagram of the illustrative methods of professional game machine;

Fig. 7 provides according to an embodiment of the present invention, and when the primary power power down that offers game machine or when closing, record is about the process flow diagram of the illustrative methods of the various material particulars of game machine activity;

Fig. 8 provides according to an embodiment of the present invention, is provided at the storer that uses during normal game machine operation and the safe storage and is used for process flow diagram in the illustrative methods of single memory storage or location records game machine status information;

Fig. 9 shows the block scheme of the example networks structure that is used to provide the games system with one or more professional game machines according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiment

The exemplary application of explanation system and a method according to the invention in this unit.It only is that the present invention is understood in additional context and help that these examples are provided.Clearly, to those skilled in the art, part or all that can not have these details implemented the present invention.In other examples, do not describe well-known process steps in detail, to avoid the unnecessary the present invention that obscures.Other application are also possible, and therefore the example below should not be counted as determining or restriction scope or setting.With reference to a part of accompanying drawing in the instructions, wherein utilize accompanying drawing to represent the specific embodiment of the present invention in the detailed description below.Though with these embodiments of enough specification specified, can be so that those of ordinary skill in the art implement the present invention, but the not restriction of these examples, therefore, can use other embodiments, and under the situation that does not deviate from the spirit and scope of the present invention, can change.

An advantage of the present invention is to have introduced very fast relatively and reliable ROM in game machine or system.This (that is, MROM) partly realizes by using one or more reluctance type memory storages that are suitable for a read apparatus.In some embodiments, revise a kind of MRAM of conventionally form, thereby its write capability forbidden by physics or ends, and in other embodiments, remained on if having time to the write capability of MRAM device and in great majority or institute by other device controls and do not write configuration.

Another advantage of equipment disclosed herein, system and method is that the how general power-off log recording apparatus and the memory storage of high power capacity more are provided in game machine or system.This is to utilize one or more MRAM devices partly to realize, compares with traditional situation indicator board memory storage, and under identical or lower energy consumption level, this MRAM is applicable to the identical or multidata more of storage.In some embodiments, these MRAM can be to log recording apparatus and MGC or other primary processor dual-ports, and in other embodiments, different " intelligence " game machine parts each can have dedicated log pen recorder of oneself and MRAM to follow the tracks of the off-line incident.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide more effective and reliable safe storage device for the status information that is recorded in electric shock (power hit) or other game machines or the system failure incident.The present invention provides a copies of information for the safe storage of normal game machine operation and quick and non-volatile MRAM, rather than with quick volatibility DRAM and the non-volatile reserve battery RAM of low speed or other NVRAM, the different copies or the different editions of two kinds of identical information of operation.The use of this modification can reduce the complexity of device quantity and process significantly, can also eliminate being stored in the needs of the data separation priority among a limited number of NVRAM.Certainly, non-volatile, reliable, low energy consumption and essential faster that most of form MRAM have are of value to many these concrete and other application in game machine or system.

Though the present invention is primarily aimed at game machine and system, it should be noted that equipment more disclosed herein, system and method may be suitable in the device or environment of other types, so their use exclusively is not limited to game machine and context.After checking the device of the present invention that illustrates and discuss, system and method here, it is apparent that some other change may become.The generality discussion of game machine, game machine framework and existing MRAM device at first is provided at the remainder of this detail specifications.Subsequently, provide the embodiment of specialized game machine, the using method of this class game machine and games system is provided afterwards with alternative games frame structure.At last, provide example networks and system configuration.

Game machine

At first, show the exemplary game machine with skeleton view with reference to Fig. 1.Game machine 10 comprises top box 11 and mainframe 12, and wherein as seen mainframe 12 centers on machine interior (not shown) and user usually.Top box and/or mainframe can be together or are formed shell separately, and the portion that is used within it receives a plurality of internal game machine parts.Mainframe 12 comprises the main-inlet 20 of game machine front, and it is opened so that the visit to machine interior to be provided.Be connected to one or more typically player's input switches or button 21, one or more money or the credit number recognizer of main-inlet, for example Coin acceptor 22, bank note or ticket recognizer 23, coin tray 24 and intermediate glass 25.What can see by main-inlet 20 is main video display 26 and one or more information board 27.Main video display 26 can be cathode-ray tube (CRT), high resolution flat LCD, plasma/light-emitting diode display or other suitable video monitors traditional or other types.Also can select to use a plurality of recreation runners show to replace display 26 as main game machine, for the preferably electric control of these recreation runners, skilled personnel are readily appreciated that.

Top box 11 is arranged on the top of mainframe 12 usually, can comprise ticket printer 28, keyboard 29, one or more additional display 30, card reader 31, one or more loudspeaker 32, top glass 33, one or more camera 34 and inferior video display 35, this time video display 35 also can cathode-ray tube (CRT), high resolution flat LCD, plasma/light-emitting diode display or other suitable video monitors traditional or other types.As selection, inferior video display 35 can also replace other displays in the past, for example play runner or physics diorama, and it may comprise other moving-members, for example as one or more removable dices, runner or rotating display device.Should be appreciated that, have much game machines of structure, model, type and kind, is not that each this game machine comprises all or arbitrary above-mentioned parts, and a lot of game machine not have the miscellaneous part that illustrates above will comprising.

About the basic game ability that provides, should understand easily, game machine 10 goes for representing and showing the game events of any amount, the game of chance that particularly comprises player wager and latent currency expenditure is for example as the recreation of betting motion event or picture slot machine game, keno recreation, video poker, video 21 points and/or any other video desktop recreation etc.Certainly game machine 10 can be applicable to typically that the player scene plays games, and expects that this class game machine is applicable to that also the player plays games at remote gaming terminals.Also can use other features and function about game machine 10, expection can be in conjunction with comprising arbitrarily or the game machine of the feature of all addition type and function or device use the present invention particularly.The game machine of this type or other types is for example made as the manufacturer of IGT, the Nevada of Reno by a lot.

Particularly about electronic game machine, the electronic game machine of being made by IGT provides special feature and additional circuit, and these features and circuit distinguish game machine and multi-purpose computer, and for example kneetop computer or table are gone up personal computer.Because being controlled by strictness, game machine guarantees fairness, and can operate the monetary incentive of distributing millions of dollar under many circumstances, the hardware and software framework that obviously is different from multi-purpose computer can be implemented in the typical electronic game machine, to satisfy security consideration and to be applied to a lot of hard and fast rule needs of game environment.Can in a lot of lists of references, find the explanation and the example of present game machine framework, and the various discussion of the hardware and software structure of electronic game machine are disclosed, the U.S. Patent application No.6 that owns together by people such as Stockdale for example, 804,763, title is " High Performance BatteryBacked RAM Interface (a high-performance reserve battery RAM interface) "; And own together and co-pending U.S. Patent application No.10/040 by people such as LeMay, 239, title is " GameDevelopment Architecture That Decouples The Game Logic From The GraphicsLogic (weakening the development of games framework of game logic from graphics logic) "; And people such as Breckner 10/041,242, title is " Decoupling Of The Graphical Presentation Of A Game FromThe Presentation Logic (diagrammatic representation of recreation is from the logical expressions decoupling) ", this for all purposes in conjunction with its each full content as a reference.Then be the specialized general remark of the relative multi-purpose computer of electronic game machine below, and the additional or different parts in this electron-like game machine and the concrete example of feature.

At first sight, people may think that making the industry that is applied to play of PC technology should be simple proposition, because PC and game machine all use the microprocessor of the various devices of control.Yet, because underlying cause, 1) and to the regular needs of game machine, 2) game machine operates in the rigorous environment 3) safety requirements and 4) requirement of fault-tolerant ability, making the PC technology be suitable for game machine may be very difficult.In addition, be used for solving the technology and the method for the problem of PC industry, as equipment compatibility and connectivity problem, may be not enough in game environment.For example, mistake of in PC, tolerating or weakness, security breaches in the software for example, or regular attack, can't stand in game machine, because in game machine, these mistakes may cause the direct fund loss of game machine, for example when game machine does not have normal running, during the stolen or revenue losses of cash.

Therefore, game machine and be that game machine is the system that is designed to based on state based on a computing machine or the difference between the system of common PC.In a system based on state, this system stores in nonvolatile memory and keeps its current state, and like this, if power fail or other faults take place, game machine will return its current state when power recovery.For example, power supply breaks down before award is provided if give award that a player represents to obtain game of chance, in case recover electric power, this game machine will be got back to and show the state of rewarding.Used the people of computer all to know as any, PC is a state machine, and when breaking down, most of data are lost usually.This basic demand has influenced the software and hardware design of game machine aspect a lot.

Game machine and be the purpose of rule based on second serious difference between the computer system of common PC, the game software that produces game of chance and operate game machine must be designed to static and whole, is practised fraud by the game machine network operator preventing.For instance, in the recreation industry, made the game machine that can use proprietary processor operating instruction, with from EPROM's or other form nonvolatile memory produce game of chance, to prevent cheating and to satisfy regular needs.Code command on the EPROM is static (unmodifiable) and game management person's that must be by specified permission agreement and installs in face of the people who represents this recreation authority.Any change of any part in the software that the generation game of chance needs, for example, adding is used by the primary games controller and is come the new device of operating means to drive during producing game of chance, may agree to burn a new EPROM by the recreation authority, and in face of gerentocratic, on game machine, install again.No matter whether use this EPROM solution, to in playing authority, great majority get the Green Light, game machine must prove enough safety practices, and the network operator who prevents game machine is by handling hardware and software, to give the inequitable even illegal interests that the network operator surpasses the player.Code verification in the recreation industry need influence the hardware and software design on the game machine.

Game machine and be that to be used for the value volume and range of product of peripherals of game machine so big unlike the computer system based on PC based on second serious difference between the computer system of common PC.In traditional recreation industry, the quantity of the quantity of peripherals and the function of game machine is limited, and game machine is simple relatively.In addition, in a single day game machine is configured, and the functional of game machine often keeps relative stability, because add new peripherals and new Games Software seldom for the game machine of existing operation.This is different from PC, and its user often buys new and different devices and combination of software from different manufacturers, then these new projects is connected or is installed to PC, to adapt to individual demand.Therefore, such device that is connected to PC is may difference from user to user very big according to user's demands of individuals, and for a PC along with the time also has very big difference.

Though be applicable to that the kind of the device of PC may be more than game machine, game machine still has unique matching requirements that is different from PC, for example the safety requirements of the device that do not relate to usually of PC.For instance, the monetary unit of game machine, for example Coin dispenser, cash inspecting machine, ticket printer and being used to managed the calculation element of the input and output of cash, has security needs usually, and PC does not then relate to usually.Developed a lot of PC technology and method connectivity and compatibility, and can not solve the safety issue in the recreation industry as emphasis with the raising device.In order to solve the some of them problem, in game machine, utilize some uncommon hardware/software components and frameworks in the general-purpose computations device of for example PC.These hardware/software components and framework include but are not limited to lower member, for example WatchDog Timer, voltage monitoring system, based on software architecture and supporting hardware, private communication interface, safety monitoring and the trusted memory of state.

WatchDog Timer is generally used for the IGT game machine so that the software fault testing mechanism to be provided.In a normal operating system, the regular access-control register of function software in WatchDog Timer subsystem is with " heavily triggering " house dog.If operating system is access-control register in the Preset Time frame not, WatchDog Timer is with overtime and generation system reset.Typical WatchDog Timer circuit comprises one and can load overtime timer register, to allow function software to set in the timeout interval in certain time range.The distinguishing characteristics of some preferred circuits is that function software can not forbid the function of WatchDog Timer fully.Always work when in other words, WatchDog Timer applies power supply onboard.

IGT toy computer platform preferably uses a plurality of power supplys to provide voltage to come the operation part computer circuits.These can local generation on center power supply or computing machine plate.If above-mentioned any voltage exceeds the tolerance limit of its power circuit, may cause unpredictable computer operation.Though most of modern general-purpose comprises electric voltage observation circuit, the circuit of these types is only to function software report voltage status.Surpass margin voltage and can cause software fault, in toy computer, produce potential runaway condition.Yet the IGT game machine needs the power supply of stricter voltage tolerant usually than function circuit.In addition, the electric voltage observation circuit of implementing in the IGT game machine typically has two control threshold values.First threshold produces can be by the software event of function software detection and the error condition of generation.Exceed the marginal range of this power supply when supply voltage but still in the opereating specification at circuit, trigger this threshold value.When supply voltage exceeds the opereating specification of circuit, second threshold value is set.In this case, circuit can produce and reset, the shut-down operation computing machine.

The standard operating instructions that are used for IGT Console Game software are to use state machine.(for example, stake, recreation, the result) of each function of recreation is defined as a state.When a recreation from a state transitions to another state, be stored in the non-volatile memory subsystem of customization about the critical data of Games Software.In addition, amusement history or " state " information, can comprise state, data, the amount of money of making a bet about last recreation about the credit number quantity on the machine, any ongoing recreation, or the like, its any or all can be stored in the non-volatile memory device.These characteristics make the state of game machine can be resumed when great interrupt event takes place game machine, understand easily, and this incident can comprise that powers failure, game machine reset, key hardware fault, critical software fault and game computer function inclination, waits sundry item.This is very important for guaranteeing to preserve correct stake, credit number and other important information projects.

Generally, use reserve battery ram set or other likes to preserve critical data.These memory storages can not be used for typical multi-purpose computer.Simultaneously, the software configuration of game machine can comprise safe memory management module, it is disposed the integrality of upgrading game machine arrive one or more non-volatile memory component, and is preferably on the round-robin basis.This secure storage management device can also be configured to recover game machine to a part of of the integrality that is stored in non-volatile memory component or all.Game machine based on the further details of the storage of state and rejuvenation at the U.S. Patent application No.6 that owns together, open in 804,763, introduce its full content as a reference for all purposes once more.

In addition, the great interruption of game machine is monitored by one or more system managers usually, for example, and the inclination keeper.The monitoring machinery performance as power level, temperature, static level and other factors, and sends alarm signal or tilts to produce instruction, and when these characteristics of one or more game machine whatsoever reason surpass and take action when setting the tolerance limit level.The details that this class feature monitoring in the game machine and the generation of tilting are handled is owned together and co-pending U.S. Patent application No.09/954 people such as Breckner, 816, title is open in " Modular Tilt Handling System (module inclination disposal system) ", introduces its full content as a reference at this for all purposes.

Further again, the IGT toy computer comprises the additional interface that contains serial line interface usually, is used to be connected to the inner and game machine outside of particular subsystem.Serial line unit may have the electric interfaces requirement that is different from " standard " EIA (Electronic Industries Association) RS232 serial line interface that multi-purpose computer provides.These interfaces comprise EIA RS485, EIA RS422, optical fiber serial ports, the optically-coupled serial line interface, and the current loop serial line interface, or the like.In addition, in order to save serial line interface in game machine, serial line unit can connect with the daisy chaining of sharing, and a plurality of peripherals are connected to a single serial-port in this mode.

As selection, the IGT game machine can also select to be taken as the peripherals of recreation place communication controler, and is connected to single serial line interface with the daisy chaining of sharing.In both cases, peripherals all preferably is assigned with the device address.If like this, the serialization controller circuit must be carried out a method to generate or to detect the individual equipment address.The multi-purpose computer serial ports all can't be accomplished this point.In addition, the safety monitoring circuit detects by the monitoring safety switch that is attached to the access entrance in the game machine rack and swarms into the IGT game machine.Better, access violation causes suspension of game play, and can trigger additional safe operation, to preserve the current state of recreation.These circuit utilize reserve battery also can work when outage.In power operation, these circuit continue to monitor the access entrance of game machine.Behind power recovery, game machine can determine whether any safety incident in violation of rules and regulations takes place when outage, for example, and by the software read status register.This can be by game software trigger event journal entries and further data verification operation.

IGT game machine computerized optimization ground comprises the trusted storage device, and to guarantee the validity of software, this software may be stored not too safe storage subsystem, as extensive memory storage.Trusted storage device and control circuit normally are modified and design for code and the data that do not allow to be stored in the memory storage, and memory storage is installed in the game machine.Be stored in these the device in code and data can comprise, for example, authentication arithmetic, randomizer, KI, operating system nucleus, or the like.The purpose of these trusted storage devices is, in the computing environment of the game machine that can carry out original tracking and check, for the regulator of game rule provides a believable at all authority.This can be that independently the third party inspection device is realized by the check of removing trusted storage device and safe storage device content from the game machine computing machine.In case it is believable that the trusted storage device verifies as, and based on being included in admitting of check algorithm in the credible equipment, game machine is allowed to check the authenticity of extracode and data, and code and data may be arranged in the toy computer accessory, for example is stored in code and data on the hard disk drive.

The mass storage device that is used for multi-purpose computer allows to read and write code and data from it usually.In the game machine environment, the modification that is stored in the game identification code of mass storage device is controlled by strictness and only is allowed under specific maintenance class situation at the needs according to electronics and physics enabler.Although can provide this other safety of level by software; the IGT toy computer that comprises the high capacity storage device preferably includes hardware-level high capacity storage data protection circuit; it operates in circuit grade and monitors the trial of revising data at mass storage device, and produces two kinds of trigger errors of software and hardware can attempt data modification under the situation that does not have suitable electronics and physics permission person to exist the time.Except the basic game ability is provided, feature of these and other and function, being used to distinguish game machine becomes the special computer installation of a class, is different from multi-purpose computer.

The game machine framework

Move to next Fig. 2, show the part exemplary architecture of the electronic game machine of Fig. 1 with the form of block scheme.Be similar to the PC framework in some aspects though be appreciated that this framework, in this game machine framework, still have unique various fine distinctions.Be also to be understood that various architectural components that accompanying drawing is represented only are the parts that game machine much may structural details, also comprise in the diagram/or substitute a lot of miscellaneous parts, and be not in each parts of occurring all must be included in.Should understand, the structure of various hardware componenies and model can be used for a certain parts, and any this class suitable components expection is used for the present invention.Further should understand provide shown in each parts only be used for the purpose of example, need in a certain game machine, not occur still less in the layout of certain location or expression.For instance, though basic display unit 26 generally the precedence centre of game machine or near, and loudspeaker 32 is positioned at a side of game machine top box contact mainframe, one or more these parts optionally are placed on a plurality of other positions or relevant layout.

Also as shown in Figure 1, game machine 10 generally comprises top box 11 and mainframe 12.CPU50 is provided by the logic that is provided by the Games Software in game machine or the system, and CPU50 is game machine MGC or wherein a part of preferably.For example, such CPU may be the Pentium series processors that provides of the Intel Company by California Santa Clara or the K6 series processors that provided by the AMD of California Sunnyvale, or the like.In order to increase the performance of this MGC or CPU, data and instruction can directly be stored in the cache memory 51 on the CPU50 or some other relative position easily (not shown), for example can be located immediately at cpu bus 52off.The application that storage needs for critical data, this class cache memory are not used in the critical data storage usually, because if power fail takes place, the data that are stored in these positions may be lost.Thereby, adopt independent nonvolatile memory memory storage, NVRAM281 for example, following being described in further detail.

North bridge 60 provides as memory hub in essence, and be suitable for convenient and change communication between the various signals, for example, cpu bus signal, peripheral components expansion interface (" PCI ") bus signals and memory bus signal or the like.If be suitable for, other examples of this class signal can be advanced graphics port (" AGP ") signals.Signal and other signals of cpu bus 52, pci bus 69, memory bus 68, AGP (not shown) can be different according to voltage level, clock rate and bit wide.Simultaneously.The supravasal appropriate control signals of all kinds, for example read gate, write gate, sequential ready signal, address signal and data-signal etc., their formal cause conduit and different.North bridge 60, the suitable memory hub that also has other any suitable forms, for example, ASIC or field programmable gate array (" FPGA ") or the like, start between these and other dissimilar conduits communication for example, the PCI standard is the well-defined standard that is used for the personal computer industry, and is safeguarded by the special interest group of peripheral components expansion interface (" PCISIG ") of Portland Oregon, about its further information can Http:// www.pcisig.comFind.PCI 2.1 versions typically use 66MHz clock rate and 32 bit wide data-signals to send signal with 5 volts.The PCI of other versions of use 133MHz clock rate and/or 64 bit wide data-signals is also available.On the contrary, " speed " that is used to send the clock rate of data-signal or cpu bus 52 can be higher, and for example at 800MHz or be higher than 800MHz, this point is readily appreciated that.

One or more SDRAM unit 66 can store various kinds of data and information, for example game software of being carried out by CPU 50.As everyone knows, this class game software generally provides and allows recreation to carry out on game machine.SDRAM 66 can communicate by letter with CPU indirectly via north bridge 60, and via memory bus 68 or other similar communication links and north bridge direct communication.As well known in the art, this class memory bus can be very fast relatively, for example operates in 800MHz or be higher than the clock rate of 800MHz.Employed main file layout when SDRAM 66 can be storage of game machine normal operation period high-speed data and processing.What also be readily appreciated that is, though SDRAM 66 is very fast relatively, it generally is the storer that easily loses form, in case same game machine has and anyly new power on or reset,, must refresh or recover usually, for example from more stable source load software, such as hard-drive 72 or CD-ROM 73.

North bridge 60 also preferably is connected to various game machine parts, peripherals and additional memory hub via pci bus 69.Keyboard, printer, acoustic component, video components, touch-screen, player tracking unit, Coin acceptor, cash inspecting machine, network components or the like all are can be via the example of pci bus 69 with CPU 50 communicating devices.Understand easily, though following diagram and a plurality of concrete example of pci bus device and parts has been discussed, be connected to game machine pci bus may also have more.As example, can be connected to pci bus 69 to the Audio Controller 61 of one or more loudspeakers or other sound radiating devices 32 transmission signals.Video Controller 62 also can connect like this, and can be used for sending signal to one or more displays that are connected to game machine, and for example basic display unit 26, thereby game result can be presented to the player who plays games on game machine.Video Controller 62 can be used as the part of video card and installs, and video card comprises video memory and independent video processor.Use CPU 50, Audio Controller 61 and Video Controller 62, high quality graphics, sound and multimedia display can be used as the part of recreation, result or other demonstrations and represent.

When the primary power power down of supplying with game machine 10 or when closing fully, situation indication (Tell-tale) plate 63 that is used to detect and write down variety of event also can be connected to pci bus 69.This class incident can record NVRAM167, and for example it can be the reserve battery RAM or the flash memory ram of certain form.As mentioned above, situation indicator board 63 can be a battery supply, and under any circumstance, should be suitable at least receiving electric energy from the power supply except the primary power (not shown) of game machine.If the function of tonic chord of situation indicator board is in the primary power power down or recorded key event information when closing, such accessory power supply is essential.As mentioned above, the notice that for example incident of this class record can be that main-inlet is opened, back-note feeder has been opened and/or card cage or " skull " inlet have been opened or the like.The network controller 64 that comprises one or more network services of recreation place LAN (Local Area Network) (" LAN ") or wide area network (" WAN ") also can be connected to pci bus 69.Such network controller 64 can allow game machine to communicate by letter with the device that game services is provided, account server and wide area (progressive) server for example, account server poll game machine is stored in information in the such Nonvolatile memory devices of NVRAM2 81 with statistics.The interim server of wide area can receive the information that is stored among the NVRAM2 81, and that for example carries out on game machine makes a bet, and can send the information that will be stored among the NVRAM, for example the value of progressive jackpot.Common controller 65 also is shown as and is connected to pci bus 69, also can be connected to pci bus to show other most controllers or device.For example, controller 65 may be player's tracing unit, keyboard, ticket printer, Coin acceptor, cash inspecting machine, move back coin device or any various types of input, for example touch-screen or button.

One or more additional informations or memory hub also can connect along pci bus 69, for example as south bridge 70.South bridge 70 can also be connected to various additional memory storages separately, and one or more series connection port (not shown), for example is used for those ports of cash inspecting machine.In a specific example, mark when the ticket or other the receivable credit number that receive currency bill, printing by cash inspecting machine, can adopt the Netplex interface to be delivered to south bridge 70 continuously about the title of bill or the value of ticket or the information of other marks, wherein Netplex is the proprietary protocol of IGT.The continuous signal of Netplex uses the Netplex device drives to convert the PCI standard signal to by south bridge 70.Also can use other suitable non-proprietary communication meanss, for example in substandard those methods of RS-232 serial ports.Crucial game information can be regarded as from the information of cash inspecting machine transmission, thereby Nonvolatile memory devices can be used as NVRAM2 81.

South bridge 70 inside can comprise various parts, and for example hard disk controller 71, and can be used for various stable ROM memory storages are connected to system, and for example hard disk 72, CD-ROM 73 and EPROM1 74, or the like.Some of them equipment, for example hard-drive 72 and CD-ROM73 can similarly be connected and are connected to south bridge 70 via integrated driving electronics (" IDE ") bus 75 or other.As known in the art, a typical IDE bus travelling speed is greatly about 100MHz, and it generally is suitable for the access rate of many hard-drive and CD-ROM driving.Other equipment, for example EPROM1 74, can be connected to south bridge 70 via key industry standard architecture (" ISA ") bus 76, and its bus of comparing other is be connected may be relatively slow.For instance, typical isa bus can be at the data speed transmission of about 8MHz, and it will be suitable for EPROM and other similar slower parts.In a lot of game machines, be used for starting shooting or the boot of restarting process tends in a plurality of positions, for example in EPROM1 74, initial basic input/output (" BIOS ") is positioned at " (BOOT) 1 " position; In EPROM2 82, " BOOT2 " position that expanded BIOS is positioned at is as hereinafter discussing in more detail.Be readily appreciated that miscellaneous part also may be connected to south bridge 70 (not shown) and/or any other some suitable bus and links by USB (universal serial bus) (" USB ").

The part that optional feature and memory storage also can be used as the games system expansion is connected to pci bus 69, for example by FPGA 80 or other similar log recording apparatus or memory hub.For example, FPGA80 can be the XC3S50 FPGA module by the Xilinx company manufacturing of California San Jose.As selection, this games system expansion can be another pci interface device, for example the PLX 9050 of the PLX technology of CaliforniaSunnyvale manufacturing.Certainly, any other device that similarly is fit to also can be used as the games system expansion.The expansion of this FPGA 80 or other games systems can comprise various connected in series, allows and the communicating by letter of multiple arrangement player tracking unit for example, wide area stage system and recreation place LAN (Local Area Network) etc.For example, the storage unit that is connected to pci bus 69 by FPGA 80 or other similar expansions can comprise reserve battery RAM or other non-volatile memory cells NVRAM2 81, guiding related memory cell EPROM2 82, " black box " EEPROM 83, be used to store other specifying informations of data and game machine, or the like.Certainly, a plurality of FPGA or other similar expanding units also can be connected to pci bus 69, though for purpose easy and that discuss, only show an example here.

As mentioned above, the purposes of reserve battery RAM or other non-volatile memory cells NVRAM2 81 is to preserve the state of amusement history or game machine.As mentioned above, this game machine history or state can comprise about a lot of details and data from gaming display and/or result's information, comprise one or more frames of the frame sequence that is used for game result or demonstration.This class frame can copy to NVRAM2 81 from the frame buffer of other positions of being arranged in Video Controller 62 or game machine.Therefore, NVRAM2 81 is " safe storage " devices that are used for game machine 10, and owing to a plurality of reasons can be connected to pci bus 69.One, pci bus 69 allows to be connected (for example, 66 or 133MHz) relatively fast from NVRAM2 81 (via FPGA 80, north bridge 60 and cpu bus 52 faster) and arrives CPU 50.This connection fast is very important, because software is unpredictable usually to NextState, is performed in status processing system or is rejected up to current state.The execution of each state relates to a plurality of access request to NVRAM2 81, thereby the access speed of this device is influenced usually the performance of whole game machine or system.Though connect betterly faster than pci bus 69, the speed of this bus tends to equate with the speed of many typical reserve battery ram sets, thereby when use NVRAM2 81, bus can not provide any significant advantage faster.

Pci bus can comprise the fact that does not have metadata cache usually on pci bus in conjunction with the other reasons of NVRAM2 81 or other reserve batteries RAM use, this is a key character, wherein critical data can back up, information on the pci bus can be exchanged, and the variation on the main processor board there is good tolerance limit ability, for example CPU exchange.This makes can exchange various game machine parts flexibly, and need not make any corresponding change to reach compatible to NVRAM2 81.Preferably, game machine safe storage parts, for example NVRAM2 81, and is relatively large, and the critical function of its Status of Backups in game machine is provided.This to comprise or use big nonvolatile memory be not standardized component on the PC usually, thereby distinguish PC and game machine at least in this.The U.S. Patent application No.6 that owns together by people such as Stockdale that the details of the safe storage in the NVRAM device is mentioned in front, 804,763, title is open in " HighPerformance Battery Backed RAM Interface ", introduces its full content as a reference at this for all purposes.

As mentioned above, for example the one-time write ROM of EPROM2 82 purposes can be the BIOS (" BOOT2 ") that stored key is expanded.In typical startup or reseting procedure, the initial initial bios program that is stored in the BOOT1 position that points to of game machine, BOOT1 is positioned at the EPROM1 74 that is connected to south bridge 70.In case be introduced into and move, the logic in the BOOT1 makes game machine point to the expanded BIOS program that is stored in BOOT2, and BOOT2 is positioned at the EPROM2 82 that is connected to FPGA 80.Understand easily, these two processes can relate to various guiding, loading, deciphering, checking and affirmation process, and can adopt a plurality of suitable encryption technologies arbitrarily during these processes.For example, public-key encryption can be wanted the be combined into of the PKI of the device that communicates with safely by the private key that belongs to single main device and other.Dispensing device uses from public keys that receives body and its encrypted private key file.The message that receiving trap uses public-key (being provided by other devices) and the private key of oneself is separated code encryption.File also can use digital signature or the digital certificate via sender's private key generation to be verified.As known in existing field, these digital certificates allow to receive the identity that body is confirmed the sender.The details that is used for method of encrypting and system, hashing and other verification tools in the game machine can be at the U.S. Patent number of for example owning together 5,643,086,6,104,815,6,106,396,6,149,522 and 6,620,047, and find among the U.S. Patent Publication No. No.2004/0002381, introduce the full content of these patents for all purposes at this.

" black box " non-volatile ram device, for example EEPROM 83, can be outside cabinet or the specific data of physical terminal that are used to store for game machine or system.These data can be whole continuous data based on rack or terminal, Backup Data or the code that is used for other game machines or system unit, and/or the specifying information of other game machine or terminal, as national title, account denomination, machine production data, interim jackpot data, quantity setting and all gamer configuration data, or the like.Because game rule, recreation network operator want to follow the trail of about machine casing or physical terminal, or all data of the two, typical case's needs have been produced to the whole EEPROM of this class or other similar memory storages.Therefore, the EEPROM 83 of this " black box " can be arranged at the postnotum of game machine, and like this, when main processor board or " skull " and/or its associated components were replaced, it still remained on shell.As is generally known " skull " is the typical sheet metal shell in the game machine, it is suitable for holding a plurality of critical components, for example MGC or CPU, and various types of memory storage, for example RAM, NVRAM, other these base parts of hard-drive.This skull can be equipped with lock, and can be used as whole unit in some cases and remove from game machine.Be readily appreciated that then EEPROM 83 can be the interface to new " skull " and/or the new miscellaneous part of installing.

Referring again to Fig. 2, when skull is replaced, indicate with the main relevant parts of main processor board or " skull " usually and skull from game machine, remove this demonstration in skull regional 40 together.On the contrary, when main processor board was replaced, those main game machine parts relevant with the game machine shell remained on shell, and this shows in postnotum zone 41.As implied above, main processor board alternative is usually directed to change CPU 50, its buffer memory 51, north bridge 60, SDRAM 66, south bridge 70, hard-drive 72, CD-ROM73, EPROM1 74, FPGA 80, NVRAM2 81, EPROM2 82 and possible one or more miscellaneous parts, and for example general purpose controller 65.The project that usually remains in rack or shell between the skull commutation period can comprise EEPROM 83 and the Audio Controller 61 and loudspeaker 32, Video Controller 62 and main display 26, situation indicator board 63 and its relevant NVRAM1 67, network controller 64 of " black box ", or the like.

Next opens Fig. 3 provides the process flow diagram that starts or restart an illustrative methods of game machine among Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.Should be appreciated that it is unnecessary providing each step for such startup or restarting process, can also comprise other steps, and in application-specific, the order of step can rearrange as requested.After the beginning step 90, obtain first group of instruction from main BIOS in process steps 91.So main BIOS can be that the BOOT1 code in the EPROM1 74 of game machine 10 finds.Process steps 92 is below carried out these main BIOS then, and a part of duplicating main at least BIOS in process steps 93 is to memory location, for example SDRAM 66 of game machine 10 faster then.The operating system of game machine starts in process steps 94, starts suitable driver and validator in process steps 95 afterwards.Produce for example authentication of the various parts of hard-drive and CD-ROM in process steps 96.In process steps 97, the installation and operation game application, in the end step 98 finishes start-up course afterwards.

The MRAM device

A lot of traditional memory storages write, for example SRAM, DRAM, SDRAM, NVRAM, flash memory ram, EEPROM or the like often have one or more defectives and make them not ideal enough.For instance, though SRAM often has fast access time, it is that the low-density storage device that easily loses form is lost its storage when taking place to have a power failure.DRAM is similarly, and is promptly very fast relatively but easily lose, and also needs stabilized power source to be used for memory refress.In addition, though flash memory ram and EEPROM's is non-volatile really, they are low-density and have the slower access time.In addition, need the higher voltage level to write flash memory ram usually, and EEPROM need the customized software driver usually.On the contrary, magnetic random access memory (being MRAM) is the storer of another kind of form, it is non-volatile, high density, do not need to refresh, can write, do not need the customized software driver in low-voltage, and have the comparatively faster access time, in some cases can be near the speed of SRAM.

About above-mentioned a lot of game machine problems and memory storage, MRAM is more faster than RAM, EEPROM or EPROM, and is almost the same with volatibility RAM fast.Therefore, use MRAM to replace the typical guiding of great majority memory storage can reduce the time that starts or restart the game machine cost significantly.MRAM still need not the non-volatile of battery or other power supplys, thereby makes its advantage surpass any other NVRAM.It does not need to use any special driver yet, thereby makes its advantage surpass any memory storage.MRAM has the several advantages above DRAM, because it is non-volatile, do not need often to refresh, and can be the same with DRAM at least fast.Because the speed of MRAM is faster than other any type of NVRAM, if with MRAM as safe storage device, this dwindles or eliminated the possibility that data wherein may be lost before it backups to safe storage.Because MRAM utilizes magnetic principles, rather than power supply stores data, so can also be reliable especially at the long-time retention data without any power supply, this also be noticeable.

MRAM's is a relative newer technology, and is usually directed to based on storage of transistorized battery (cell) type and MTJ (" MTJ ") structure.As is known in the art, mtj structure is made of the insulation material layer between two electrodes of magnetic material.An electrode can be the ferromagnetic layer of fixing, and it produces strong, and pinning field (fixed field) keeps the magnetic polarity of this layer at a certain assigned direction.Other electrode then can be another ferromagnetic layer, and it can rotate and keep its magnetic polarity in a plurality of directions, preferred at least two directions that magnetic field is opposite.When the electrode of pinning electrode and rotation has identical polarity, the MTJ battery will be in low impedance state; Have opposite or different substantially polarity chron and work as electrode, the MTJ battery will be in high impedance status.Can produce " tunnel " electric current to other electromagnetic layer by insulator from an electromagnetic layer, thereby can detect the impedance state of given MTJ battery.The various details of mtj structure and MRAM generally can find in a lot of references, for example, and U.S. Patent number 5,173,873; 5,640,343; With 6,744,662, be incorporated herein its full content as a reference, and at a plurality of MRAM developers' the various network address pages, as www.freescale.com and www.research.ibm.com, or the like.

The concrete example that is used for the MRAM memory storage of game machine or system, the present MR2A16A module 4Mb mram cell that provides by the Freescale semiconductor company in Austin city, Texas state can be provided, or the 16Mb mram cell of demonstrating by Munich, Germany Infineon technology AG at present.Expection soon can manufacturer also comprises the IBM of New York Armonk with the developer of mram cell, the Hewlett Packard of California Palo Alto, the Cypress semiconductor of the Motorola of Illinois Schaumburg and California San Jose, or the like.Clear and definite expection can be used in game machine of the present invention or system, as disclosed herein by these or any other suitable mram cell that any supplier makes.In fact, the clear and definite any type of MRAM of expection can be used for substituting the storer of any other form of electronic game machine or system.This one or more replacement can influence important the readjusting of game machine framework in some cases, as being described in further detail hereinafter.

The specialty game device

Turn to Fig. 4 now, show block scheme according to the exemplary part hardware configuration of the professional game machine with reluctance type memory storage of one embodiment of the present invention.Game machine 100 is similar to game machine 10 in appearance, all have a top box, mainframe, basic display unit 126, loudspeaker 132 with various other with among the game machine 10 or on the identical or similar parts of parts that find.Miscellaneous part also can be identical or similar, comprises cache memory 151, cpu bus 152, memory bus 168 and pci bus 169 of Audio Controller 161, Video Controller 162, network controller 164, general purpose controller 165, CPU 150 and its combination or the like.Yet, there are a plurality of tangible difference between the game machine, particularly in professional game machine 100, use MRAM and MROM unit and cancel a plurality of other devices.

Near CPU150, use reluctance type memory block rather than SDRAM or DRAM memory block as seen from Figure 4.Especially, MROM 166a and MRAM1 166b are via first or primary storage hub MH1 160 and CPU 150 indirect communications.North bridge 60 or any other suitable being used for that such memory hub can be similar to game machine 10 improve and CPU 150 communicating devices.For example, primary storage hub 160 can be to be used to improve and to control the special IC (ASIC) of communicating by letter between CPU 150 and MROM 166a and the MRAM166b.In some cases, such ASCI can be configured to control or prevent write operation to MROM 166a, the following detailed description in detail.For example, such ASIC can be the north bridge product M1 651 of the ALi company production of Taipei.In some embodiments, MROM 166a and MRAM1 166b can physics is combined into a big storage unit or cell group, between them main difference be wherein to constitute unit or the part of MROM can not write operation.

In professional game machine 100 unexistent various standard game machine parts, the EPROM that CD-ROM, read-only hard-drive part CD-ROM drive and being used to stored guidance code is replaced by MROM 166a, and the safe storage NVRAM2 of read-write hard-drive part and reserve battery has had MRAM1 166b to replace.Therefore, the part of MROM 166a can be designated as " BOOT " district at least, and the part of MRAM1166b can be designated as safe storage " NVRAM " part at least.In fact, preferably all MRAM1 are non-volatile random access memory.The physical device of for example forming MROM 166a and MRAM1 166b can be the MR2A16A module 4Mb mram cell of being produced by Freescale semiconductor company, and/or recently by the group or the array of the 16Mb mram cell of Infineon technology AG company checking, yet also can use other any suitable MRAM or MROM unit.In fact, any or all MROM and the MRAM parts in game machine 100 in Fig. 4 and the game machine 200 among Fig. 5 can be similarly by one or more Freescale, and Infineon or other suitable MRAM devices are formed.It should be noted that the CPU cache memory 151 of these machine interior, 251 also can be made up of the MRAM and/or the MROM of some type, because such being chosen in the technology in the future also can be used, and what can clearly predict is that embodiment additional in literary composition of the present invention will be available.

Further, can see that auxiliary storage hub MH2 180 has substituted the FPGA 80 in the game machine 10 in essence.Though various projects are still separated from auxiliary storage hub 180, being included in the safe storage NVRAM2 81 of game machine 10 and the element among the boot section EPROM2 82, preferably to be replaced " black box " memory storage by MRAM1 166b and MROM 166a be the particular data that is used to store the outer rack of game machine or system or physical terminal, it can be left the branch of auxiliary storage hub MH2 180, with the function class of EEPROM 83 in the game machine 10 discussed above seemingly.Though be not to use slower EEPROM for such function, this black box memory storage can be senior MRAM device, MRAM2 183 for example shown in Figure 4.As pointed in the above example, be stored in for example secondary data or the auxiliary data or the computer code of " black box " memory storage of MRAM2 183, can comprise multiple information, integrating cabinet or based on continuous data, the Backup Data of terminal or be used for the code of other game machines or system unit for example, and/or the specifying information of other game machine or terminal, as national title, account denomination, machine production data, interim jackpot data, quantity setting and all gamer configuration data, or the like.

Be also noted that in above-mentioned example for example " black box " memory storage of MRAM2 183 is preferably related with the postnotum of game machine, it usually remains in the game machine rack like this.Need be pointed out that once more that similar with game machine 10, the various parts of game machine 100 are general related with this postnotum or game machine rack, this base part generally comprises the parts in the postnotum zone 141.Be similar to above-mentioned example equally, those parts related with main processor board generally comprise in the skull zone 140 of game machine 100 usually.As implied above, these titles will comprise MROM 116a and MRAM1 166b, generally in skull zone 140, therefore related with skull or main processor board, and MRAM2 183, log recording apparatus 163 and the MRAM3 167 related with this log recording apparatus are therefore related with the shell or the physical terminal of game machine or system generally in postnotum zone 141.

Log recording apparatus 163 can be similar to the situation indicator board 63 of game machine 10 basically, though it is custom-designed, log recording apparatus 163 can be that situation indicator board or any other are suitable for writing down or put down in writing the device about the information of the power down of game machine or off line activity.Different with above-mentioned game machine 10, game machine 100 provides an advanced storage device, and it is related with situation indicator board or other suitable log recording apparatus 163.This memory storage that is used for off line activity data record also can be MRAM, for example illustrated MRAM3 167.Game machine 100 as shown in the figure, recording storage parts MRAM 167 is a kind of isolated plants, thus log recording apparatus 163 must be the game machine parts that can write and read from this memory unit to this memory unit.Other arrange also can, as hereinafter pointing out in detail.

Forward next Fig. 5 to, show the block scheme of the selectable exemplary part hardware configuration of the professional game machine with reluctance type memory storage of another embodiment according to the present invention.Game machine 200 similar in appearance with game machine 10 and 100, comprise top box, mainframe, basic display unit 226, loudspeaker 232 with various other with among game machine 10 or 100 or on the identical or similar parts of parts that find.Miscellaneous part also can be identical or similar with those parts of game machine 10 or 100, comprise Audio Controller 261, Video Controller 262, network controller 264, general purpose controller 265, cache memory 251, cpu bus 252, memory bus 268 and pci bus 269 of CPU 250 and its combination or the like.In addition, a plurality of parts can be identical or similar with those parts of professional game machine 100.For example first or primary storage hub MH1 260, main MROM1 266a, main MRAM1 266b, log recording apparatus 263 and auxiliary MRAM2 267 or the like

Yet it is different with game machine 100, specialty game machine 200 can comprise hard-drive 272, CD-ROM273 and auxiliary MROM2 274, also can comprise an auxiliary storage hub MH2 270, it is suitable for each device is linked to pci bus 269, and the mode that the south bridge 70 of this and game machine 10 adopts is similar.Hard-drive controller 271 and/or other similar items are arranged on auxiliary storage hub 270 used as said purpose.Certainly, IDE bus 275 or other similar buses can be used for connecting hard-drive 272 and CD-ROM 273.And can be isa bus to the bus 276 of MROM2 274, as game machine 10, because the access speed of the increase of MROM, preferred bus faster.Even might be at the so auxiliary MROM of the location positioning of easier access, for example directly break away from primary storage hub MH1 260 or break away from CPU 252, for instance, for the MROM of the access speed of utilizing increase.The layout that provides among Fig. 5 may be desirable, and wherein except one or more MROM devices, CD-ROM and/or traditional hard-drive function are preferred in game machine.

In the framework of game machine 200 another significantly difference is that log recording apparatus storage unit MRAM2 267 can be visited by miscellaneous part, for example passes through independently connection or memory bus to primary storage hub MH1 260.Therefore, this log recording apparatus MRAM2 267 can be the arrangements of memory of dual-port or multiport, one of them port is addressable for log recording apparatus 263, at least be used for the write operation visit, and another port is addressable for the CPU 250 (being MGC) or the safety feature of other types, is used for the read operation visit at least.Deposit at this cloth, after game machine recovered power supply, CPU can be adapted to immediately from log recording apparatus storage unit MRAM2 267 reading of data, and does not need to log recording apparatus 263 these class data of inquiry.Another is significantly distinguished is independently " black box " cancelled based on the memory storage of shell.On the contrary, the storer related with this intermediate item can be in the specified portions of MRAM2 267 usually.Promptly, the part of MRAM2 267 can be used for the details of recording power power-down activity, and as finishing on the situation indicator board, and another part of MRAM2 267 can data or a code that be used to write down based on shell, for example absolute Measurement data and sundry item are as above described in detail.

Though for example purpose provides concrete, exemplary professional game machine framework in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5.Understand easily, utilize MROM and/or MRAM, also can use a lot of other configurations and embodiment as the game machine memory storage.The present invention has taken into full account any or all and has related to MROM and/or MRAM other these classes configuration and embodiments as the memory storage of game machine.Simultaneously, comprising on MROM and/or this layer of the MRAM memory storage meaning, though the game machine 100 and 200 among Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 all is professional game machine, be understood that easily various types of devices can use in conjunction with device of the present invention disclosed herein, system and method.As disclosed herein with describe in detail, other devices of this class can be the professional game devices that has display, and any other device that can realize with MROM or MRAM device.Can be used for system and method for the present invention disclosed herein though be appreciated that other application, for the purpose of discussing, the emphasis here remains on the example about the actual play machine.

Referring again to Figure 4 and 5, can see that two game machines 100,200 among the figure comprise that all main high speed code and data-carrier store are often used by CPU 150,250 with the form of main MROM (166a or 266a) and main MRAM (166b or 266b).As mentioned above, various boot and code are stored in the ROM of certain form usually, for example the EPROM of game machine 10.An example of this category code is an identifying code, though easy understanding can have the start-up code and the program of a lot of other types.Deposit at this cloth, because actual, the boot and the code that are stored on the EPROM are loaded into DRAM, SDRAM or similarly memory storage faster, to carry out further game machine operation with this code.Boot among this traditional EPROM may be slow especially, even cause the bottleneck in the start-up course, comprising large scale image and/or other mass files part as transfer process between the starting period.

Yet in professional game machine 100,200, this class boot and code can all be stored at a high speed and ready-made MROM 166a, 266a, there is no need to duplicate these programs and code like this to another memory location or memory storage.In guiding or other start-up courses, game machine can simply move program or the code of going up initial memory location from MROM, need not duplicate this program or code.In addition, basic BIOS and expanded BIOS can be stored in MROM, perhaps fully two positions, thereby have eliminated any needs of basic BIOS being verified expanded BIOS.By this way, by using MROM, can so that various CRC (CRC), verification and, that checking and other traditional non-trivial are left over bootup process is unnecessary.Thereby this layout is more effective, because they have saved a large amount of time and process steps for start-up course, and has reduced the device quantity that needs.

As mentioned above, MRAM and/or MROM can also be used for a plurality of other game computer functions, for example store a lot of other functions of gamer configuration data, historical playback, image and video data, Downloadable recreation and RAM.MRAM and/or MROM can be used for fast updating game machine and/or its peripherals, if needed, can comprise one or more peripherals or other external device (ED) respectively.Peripherals or other devices may have one or more independent special-purpose or local MRAM or MROM unit, can comprise for example paper currency acceptor, spectrum controller, touch screen controller, plain edge frame (light bezel), ticket printer, bonus top box, card reader, illuminating lamp, Coin acceptor, intelligence are moved back coin, player's tracking means, video card, sound card, PC type BIOS or expanded BIOS, FPGA, solid-state large-capacity storer, and any other EEPROM, or the like.By substituting various RAM, reserve battery RAM, EPROM, EEPROM and/or other internal memories or the memory storage in some or all game machines with MRAM, and supporting peripheral, can make game machine more reliable, also easier exploitation.With reference to above-mentioned, may be the ability of a kind of " immediately " of game machine by a feature that is extensive use of MRAM, wherein seldom need load and reload program or code arrives memory storage faster for normal game machine operation.

Using a large amount of MRAM is that some or all of peripherals store in the embodiment of whole operation system, recreation application and/or configuration data, after applying power supply for the first time, game machine can perhaps still less be started shooting and operation in the time in about several seconds.Certainly, for purpose of safety, also can still keep some modes of doing business in the heavy game machine of MRAM, for example safe storage is recovered if desired, wherein can represent that transaction is treated by service marking.By a lot of explanations and the example that provides here, other purposes of game machine or intrasystem MROM and MRAM can become conspicuous, and fully take into account and also comprise other conspicuous purposes herein.For example, being extensive use of MROM and MRAM device comes a lot of or all the traditional memory storages in alternative games machine and the peripherals thereof may cause the bus-structured possibility that enforcement is improved and more unified.If needs are arranged, can keep other slower buses, pci bus for example, to adapt to the peripherals that those control this class bus, much other bus can be replaced and/or be merged, and causes high speed still less just can go out bus, and this should understand easily.In the illustrated here exemplary professional game machine, possible as can be seen to a certain extent placement variation for example reduces bus in game machine 100, and at least one extra improvement memory bus is provided in game machine 200.

Under the situation of MROM, the ability that possible special concern writes or rewrites in this device is because MRAM is usually as random access storage device at present.In order to use the MRAM device to replace the ROM device, then should consider the write capability of MRAM especially.Existing MRAM can have at least its part or all, makes by a plurality of technology and can not write with immutable, thereby make that MRAM is read-only or " MROM " device.Especially when game machine operational computations machine code storage during at MRAM, the physics that some technology may relate to MRAM stops or writes connection.In one embodiment, can use physical hardware wire jumper or key to allow the write operation of the MRAM device installed.Do not have such wire jumper or key, can not carry out any write operation the MRAM device.In another embodiment, game machine or intrasystem special write-protect circuit can detect write operation and attempt, and start if desired then to reset or " inclination " in game machine or system.In the another embodiment, the pin of writing on pin or the MRAM can be by physical break, and perhaps otherwise can not write game machine or peripheral circuit, therefore if need programming again, this MRAM device is forced to remove.For example, this class embodiment can relate to the MRAM that inserts PCB (printed circuit board (PCB)) slot in the game machine movably, thereby it is write pin and any write device is not carried out suitable connection via this slot.In another embodiment, the internal fuse on the MRAM can be disconnected, thereby this device will no longer can be write maybe and can change.

According to other possible technology, can arrange memory hub or other control systems, thereby MRAM any possible writes or changes and monitor or control device control will be arranged and/or forbid.For example, this class device may be, for example, ASIC, FPGA or other similar devices, they can be programmed to remain to the writing line of MRAM, or keep the part of can not writing of any other needs " to close " position at high state or other.In one embodiment, can in control ASIC, FPGA or other memory hub device, encryption layer occur, thereby can prevent or suppress interference control device.Understand easily, above-mentioned physics changes and other technologies can make the MRAM device as MROM in the physical sense, and on practical significance, any control technology of writing can be used for effectively making the MRAM device as the MROM device, thereby any this class technology can be used for to game machine produces the MROM device, MROM 166a and 266a in for example top example.

In some embodiments, MROM and/or MRAM can go up at removable and interchangeable storage card or sheet (sheet) and implement, if desired, and for this class card or sheet realize providing various slots or port in game machine or system.In this case, preferably whole recreation is used and burn MRAM or MROM storage card or sheet, inside and outside various game machines, exchange these cards or sheet then if desired.On this meaning, various recreation application cards or sheet can use as " bullet ", for example are used for those of some video game systems.This class of MROM and/or MRAM is used will this provides bigger mobile type for some game operations with the form of game machine, can make its recreation along with the variation of condition is easy to change.

Forward log recording apparatus 163, the 263 MRAM memory storage 167,267 related of Figure 4 and 5 below to it.Point out that once more MRAM is the memory storage that is used to write down the power supply power-fail of supplying with game machine or closes the advanced form of movable details, reason is that MRAM can be written at low-power level at least, and keeps its storage and without any need for power supply.Therefore, any accessory power supply that offers log recording apparatus, for example battery or network cable, its life-span can significant prolongation.Point out once more,, can write down more than typical one or two details about the off line activity owing in the use of MRAM device, protect power supply.For instance, the reserve battery log recording apparatus 63 of game machine 10 may can only write down usually when power supply power-fail whether main-inlet was once opened and/or whether the skull inlet was once opened, but there are not other details, because the NVRAM1 of game machine 10 67 need high-powerly write and/or keep its data usually.On the contrary, the reserve battery logical unit 163 of game machine 100 can will write MRAM3 167 about the data of a plurality of details of this class incident in low-voltage, and it does not need power supply to keep the data that these write.

As shown in Figure 4, the log recording apparatus 163 of game machine 100 all has own special-purpose mram cell MRAM3 167.In so special embodiment, the primary power that in a single day log recording apparatus 163 detects game machine is lost or is significantly reduced, and can begin to monitor various off line activities at a plurality of game machine parts.The activity that can monitor, with can continuous recording details, can comprise those for example, main-inlet, skull inlet, bank note fall inlet, cash inspecting machine, bank note distributor, move back the coin device, Coin acceptor, ticket printer, touch-screen, frame, spectrum controller, player's tracking means and recreation runner or the like.When detecting activity at one or more these parts, this movable details can record special-purpose off line record storage unit MRAM3 167.These details are suitable can comprise not only that inlet is opened, the zone of access or the like, also comprises date, time, time limit, mode and other correlative details.Under any circumstance, two or three limited details capacity that outnumber the traditional logs pen recorder of the details that write down of this class off line activity preferably.

When game machine power up afterwards, can the inquiry log recording unit so that the storage data about off line activity details to be provided.This class inquiry can be carried out from MGC or any other safety feature of being responsible for the off line activity relationship of for example CPU 150, for example network or system processor or monitor component.The inquiry of this class can be along any suitable bus or communicator, and carries out data with any suitable form of for example CAN, USB, Netplex or the like and transmit.If determine to have taken place the off line activity do not expected, for example opening of main-inlet or skull inlet then can be taked suitable action.What this class action was suitable can comprise to recreation place network operator, Security Officer and/or enforcement authority.

As selection, as shown in Figure 5, log recording apparatus 263 can be connected to the memory storage MRAM2 267 of multi-port device, like this data that other equipment beyond the log recording apparatus can access MRAM.In addition, as mentioned above, this class memory storage may be used to store other purposes about beyond the data of activity of off line game machine or incident, for example is used for instrument or data based on rack or shell.As shown in Figure 5, exemplary storage means MRAM2 267 is a kind of two-port device, and via memory bus or other suitable connections, one of them port is connected to such log recording apparatus 263 and another is connected to primary storage hub MH1 260.Preferably, when the primary power of supplying with game machine from the primary power power down, log recording apparatus 263 is adapted to access MRAM2 267, at least write it, and when the main game machine power up, memory hub MH1 206 is adapted to access MRAM2 267, reads to transmit number to CPU 250 from it at least.

In above-mentioned arbitrary embodiment kind, log recording apparatus (163 or 263) can be configured to " immediately " device, thereby when not having the off line activity to take place, low level is provided or does not have the power supply of level to log recording apparatus from accessory power supply (for example battery), but when detecting this class activity or incident, the power supply of device drives liter.In this class embodiment, can in game machine, realize one or more observation circuits, in circuit, use a spot of power supply to form loop, disconnect (promptly movable) thereby detect any circuit, for example where inlet is opened.This class observation circuit can be used for monitoring when the primary power power down of supplying with game machine and during normal total power relevant comings and goings and incident.For example, no matter whether primary power exists, and may wish more that for monitor the main-inlet of monitoring game machine is opened.Then observation circuit can be designed as and at any time detects this class incident.In addition, no matter whether power down of primary power can be write down any details about this class activity.Once more, the major advantage of the system that provides at present is, because the MRAM device needs lower power, can write down the more details of various off lines or power-down activity and incident.

In another unshowned embodiment, a plurality of game machine peripherals or install each and can have dedicated log record and memory storage separately are to be suitable for carrying out at each device the log record of power supply power-fail or off line activity.Thereby this class " intelligence " peripherals or device are suitable for during hanging down power supply to game machine or not having the cycle of power supply, the memory storage of themselves activation record to oneself.Similar with the front, the memory storage of each this class " intelligence " peripherals is MRAM preferably, still because this class device can be used lower energy consumption level, is adapted to store more multidata reliably.In this class embodiment, each all has the storer that themselves independently is used for the off line incident wherein a plurality of intelligent apparatus or peripherals, preferably, in case the main game machine power supply is restored by the device primary power, each independently log recording apparatus be suitable for transmitting any relevant data about off line activity details to suitable CPU or other safety features.In other selectable embodiments, it in addition may wish that this category information is forwarded to other safety features or element, for example still the energising network processing unit, and and the still power down of the primary power of affected game machine.Even this class goes for any log recording apparatus embodiment when power supply keeps the selection of power down power supply report laterally, comprise Fig. 4 and shown in Figure 5 those.

Emphasis is got back to main MRAM1 device 166b, the 226b of Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 now, notices that whole traditional safe storage of game machine or system is handled and can be cancelled or simplification at least greatly by using this MRAM device.A main cause is that these MRAM devices promptly are again non-volatile fast, therefore they can provide the normal game machine operation use of game machine MGC or CPU and conduct helps the safe storage of game machine recovering state when game machine takes place by great interruption the dual purpose.In this respect, have at least the MRAM of the so new enforcement of a part can be used at the replacement of normal game machine framework as the uniqueness of DRAM and NVRAM, game machine 10 for example shown in Figure 2.As previously mentioned, some in the efficient of bringing of such embodiment comprise the minimizing of the number of parts of use and type, overall process and reproducer or partial code make normal operational speeds faster to the minimizing or the cancellation of other positions faster.

The great efficient of another that can realize in device that provides and system is that it does not need information and how recorded information is distinguished priority to safe storage.In traditional safe storage process, when game machine shock by electricity (power hit) or other great interruptions, compare and be recorded in any reserve battery RAM or other are suitable for the thing of the Nonvolatile memory devices of retention data, more be concerned about battery life usually.Therefore, can be stored in the data volume of this class reserve battery RAM, potential be limited in long-time, therefore often causing need be at any special time, what data storage is distinguished priority to limited reserve battery RAM.Yet,, can avoid this worry, because MRAM can not use any battery or other accessory power supplys wirelessly to store the data of any amount by using MRAM.Therefore, can increase to level to the safe storage of certain particular game machine is far longer than typical 4 megabyte or uses now.If desired, the size of the safe storage that this class increases can be increased to, for example 512 megabyte or more than.In some cases, whole M RAM1 166b, 226b can be considered as safe storage, because no matter how long the data that wherein comprise can not lost in the loss of power or outage the time.

It should be noted that also that as mentioned above the peripherals of a lot of external device (ED)s or game machine core also can be benefited from a large amount of MRAM of use and MROM game machine.Wherein this class peripherals or other devices are suitable for comprising own independent MRAM as special-purpose and/or local storage unit, and this class peripherals or other devices are configured in the time of may no longer need or restarting in each game machine start.Should understand easily, by this way the example of the peripherals that may be benefited and device can comprise cash inspecting machine, coin receiver, video card, CVT (constant-voltage transformer), eKey (electronic key), various USB peripheral hardware, dongle (dongle), host computer system and much other.In addition, desirable in some cases also for various MRAM memory storages provide backup, especially consider possible damage or bad problem of physical hazard, secondary backup may be handy in this case.Pay close attention to for this class, preferably this back-up device is placed on the diverse location in the game machine, like this, if damage (projectile), fire or other physical hazard projects, main MRAM parts have been damaged in certain uncertain mode, for example MRAM 166b or 266b then can be accessed in the backup MRAM of spare space.For example, the MRAM of this backup may comprise the MRAM2 267 based on part rack or shell of game machine 200.

As mentioned above, in view of " immediately " ability of game machine can become possibility by MRAM, also wish by storing the memory map that recreation that secondary backup MRAM backs up any new loading is used respectively into.This if desired situation by memory map being copied to main MRAM, can recovered recreation or loaded very apace.If desired, the memory map of each recreation can also be stored the part of secondary backup MRAM as installation kit into.Started and all recreation of being selected by the player then can make their memory map be loaded into this auxiliary MRAM by the network operator, it can and copy to main MRAM by quick access then, in this change of need playing.One has this class and arranges that particularly advantageous embodiment can comprise the storehouse of tens or a hundreds of game application, and it is stored in the auxiliary MRAM device of a big group in the given game machine.The player can use this big game storehouse as required then, and suitable configuration can help these different recreation of fast access in given game machine, and recreation is loaded into main MRAM, continues visit when being used for playing games afterwards.

As another consideration, have necessary operation " file system " or professional RAM and drive the position of determining to be stored in the concrete data block in the mram memory, for example after service restoration.In traditional electronic game machine, usually do not need or do not use such file system, a large amount of MRAM to replace the realization of a lot of traditional memory members needing can cause this class file system.If various situation permissions, this document system can realize on the MRAM basis, perhaps selectively realize on the memory storage of one or more other types, for example EEPROM.

In addition, as previously mentioned, when miscellaneous part is replaced, MRAM can also be used to replace traditionally as final backup of memory and be positioned at the rack of game machine or " black box " EEPROM of shell.For example, this class is assisted or attached MRAM can be the MRAM2 183 of game machine 100 or the MRAM2 267 of game machine 200, though other layout can certainly.In other features, the auxiliary MRAM that is positioned at rack can be used as NVRAM backup (that is, being MRAM1 116b or MRAM1 266b backup), and on the round-robin basis, can be suitable for writing down " snapshot " of all game machine meterings, for example be per 10,100 or 1000 recreation.Other intercycles certainly are set, more it is desirable in some cases, the backup " snapshot " of after each recreation, writing down all meterings or other game machine data for auxiliary MRAM.

Method of operating

In general, above-mentioned parts and framework can be used to constitute and be suitable for more high power capacity, more speed and have the professional game machine and the system of improved function operation.As mentioned above, this can finish by one or more MRAM of enforcement or MROM memory storage in game machine or system, can replace the memory storage of one or more existing poor-performings with this class device.In addition, if in various special circumstances, need, can adjust or cancel other game machine architectural components, for example the memory storage and the architectural components of EEPROM, EPROM, DRAM, SDRAM, reserve battery RAM, hard-drive, CD-ROM, south bridge, FPGA and/or other types.To provide multiple operation or use to have the game machine of MRAM or the method for system now.Understanding easily, though comprehensive process flow diagram and discussion can be provided, is not that each step that provides all is necessary for given application, can comprise other steps, and the order of step can rearrange yet.

At first turn to Fig. 6, show the process flow diagram of the exemplary methods of operationthe of professional game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.Recreation is, this method of operating comprises that the pith that need not duplicate guidance code starts game machine or system software to memory location faster.In other words, when needing access code for later bootup process or normal game machine operation, the read-only position of the initial storage game machine or the guidance code of system is can be reusable.This can become possibility by using senior read-only memory device, and for example aforesaid MROM because MROM can keep its storer not rewritten, and reuses (for example, can be compared to DRAM the same) enough soon in the normal game operation sufficient.

After beginning step 300, power on or reset at game machine in process steps 302 and work, thereby begin guiding or restarting process.Except common powering on, reset case can also comprise, for example since have a power failure cause, great electrostatic leakage, key hardware fault, critical software fault, game machine tilts and to physical damage of crucial game machine parts or the like.In the process steps 304 below, detect the guidance code of storage in initial memory location.For example, may be the MROM1 266a of the game machine 200 of the MROM 166a of game machine 100 of Fig. 4 or Fig. 5, or the like other possibilities.Then in process steps 306 and 308, can authentication and read the guidance code of storage.Certainly, in some cases, if desired, the order of these steps can be opposite.In addition, for authentication, can duplicate the guidance code of storage, in this case, authentication is included in duplicating that other places of game machine or system can take place.Understand easily, this can help and the guidance code parallel processing, about when other bootup processs during from the operation of initial memory location, carries out and verifies at least.About process steps 308, preferably read the guidance code of storage with speed faster than 8MHZ, 8MHZ is the typical rate that reads guidance code from EPROM.Certainly, when memory storage is MROM or other similar fast units, and the bus of the using speed of restricting data transmission not, be higher than 33,66 or the speed of 133MHz also be possible.In ideal conditions, use MROM and quickly during memory bus, should obtain 800MHz or higher speed.

Process steps 310 below then, only the guidance code according to the storage of reading at its initial position carries out one or more bootup processs, and this method finishes in end step 312 afterwards.Preferably can not take place the copying codes of storage is taken office what his memory storage, carry out this class bootup process, though as mentioned above, may wish to duplicate in order to verify.In some embodiments, the code of storage can be guidance code and/or the code that is used for other game machine programs or process, for example be used for boot loader, start-up course, initialization procedure, authentication process, layoutprocedure, diagnostic procedure, operating system and particularly game application, or the like.

If the storage code be not guidance code, then process steps 310 can simply comprise carry out one or more based on the normal game machine operation that reads from its initial position storage code.For example, this class normal game machine operation can comprise and measures change, provides metering to show, handle recreation to select, handle and play games, the determining section game result, determine complete game result, gaming display is provided, coin exit is provided, provides noncash to represent that outlet, the output of playing calculates, provides information to show and carry out data communication or the like.

Forward Fig. 7 below to, show the process flow diagram of the exemplary methods of operationthe of the professional game machine of another embodiment according to the present invention.Especially, this method of operating comprises record when the primary power power down of supplying with game machine or when closing, about the various important details of the activity of game machine.As mentioned above, this can be by operating position indicator board or the realization of other similar devices, for example log recording apparatus 263 of the log recording apparatus 163 of game machine 100 or game machine 200.Certainly, preferably, the advanced storage device can use in conjunction with this class log recording apparatus, and for example one or more MRAM devices use with log recording apparatus 163,263 as mentioned above.By this way, the less power supply of storer needs that is used to write down the details of power-down activity writes, and does not need power supply to keep its storage, and has the capacity that the storer than the situation indicator board of game machine 10 more arrives.

After the beginning step 400, supply with game machine from primary power, the low power supply of experience or do not have period of power supply (that is, power down period) in process steps 402.The deficiency of power level may be power failure or power supply minimizing, game machine inclination or fault or simply close the result that game machine causes whencesoever like this.In process steps 404, may provide electric energy to log recording apparatus by the accessory power supply of battery, network cable or some other selectable power supply.Once more, when the primary power power down, thereby provide this accessory power supply log recording apparatus off line to carry out comings and goings.In process steps 406 subsequently, when the primary power power down or when closing, the activity of log recording apparatus or some other monitoring component monitoring game machine.As previously mentioned, this class monitoring can be carried out under low-power level, for example sends little electric current by various observation circuits.The activity that can monitor (and record details) successively for example can comprise fall inlet, cash inspecting machine, bank note distributor at main-inlet, skull inlet, bank note, move back the coin device, Coin acceptor, ticket printer, touch-screen, frame, spectrum controller, player's tracking means and recreation runner or the like.

Inquire at determining step 408 whether detected the activity of one of them parts, the activity of these parts should go on record.If not, then process forwards inquiry step 414 to.Yet, if detected activity, in next process steps 410, if desired, the power level of the log recording apparatus of can increasing supply.When monitoring game machine or system relevant movable, in order to save power when not having movable the generation, log recording apparatus is to remain under the situation that " immediately " of low-power " dormancy " pattern install, and such power increase has necessity.Can in order to save electric energy, preferably write down these data for various detail records data then, for example about 4V or lower about the activity that detects in process steps 412 in low-voltage.Make data storage this become possibility to low voltage non-volatile RAM, MRAM for example, it writes at the voltage that is lower than 4V usually, for example, about 2.7 to 3.6V.In some embodiments, data can record certain specific multipor memory device, the MRAM2 267 of Shang Mian game machine 200 for example, thus can visit this device by log recording apparatus and MGC or other safety components.

If in long-time, can detect activity, if use " immediately " log recording apparatus, can be designed as not monitoring in a certain period of new details, return to park mode.For example, be opened when detecting main-inlet, instant log recording apparatus can be write down the date and time of this incident by powering on, and time cycle that inlet is opened back one section setting (for example, one hour) other extra activities of awaring of lining, the craft of the runner of for example playing reconfigures or attempt to enter moves back coin device or other machines parts.If main-inlet stays open, but do not aware extra activity details in the time cycle of setting, then park mode can recover.As mentioned above, preferably, record is about the mass data of activity details, for example at least three details or more.

In case write down the data of relevant one or more activities, inquire at determining step 414 whether finish about power failure or the minimizing of primary power electric energy.If not, then this method is got back to process steps 402, then repeating step 404 to 414 as before.Yet if the cycle that power failure or electric energy reduce finishes really, this method continues process steps 416, is that game machine is set up sufficient power level by primary power.Power level by the primary power abundance that provides preferably like this is for accepting stake, play games and providing enough power based on the permission expenditure of game result.In case primary power puts in place, then Ji Lu data can be communicated by letter with game machine MGC or some other safety feature, estimate the activity of off line game machine, so this method finishes in end step 420.Preferably data are with 33MHz or speed communication quickly, and when using MRAM as storer, this is with possible.

Further arrive Fig. 8, the process flow diagram of the another exemplary methods of operationthe of the professional game machine of another embodiment is provided according to the present invention.Especially, this method of operating comprises provides storer that uses during the normal game machine operation and the safe storage that is used in single memory storage or location records game machine status information.Because the main attribute of the storer that fast access time uses during the normal game machine operation typically, and the non-volatile main attribute that is used as the storer of safe storage typically, preferably, any memory storage that is used for these two functions all is fast and non-volatile.As mentioned above, this can realize by using one or more MRAM devices, the MRAM1 266b of the MRAM1 166b of game machine 100 or game machine 200 for example, and its any can be any type of MRAM device.

After the beginning step 500, detect the generation of the critical event of the state that influences game machine or system in process steps 502.For example, this class critical event can be insert coin, insert bank note, insert that change is represented, measure to noncash, the selection of playing, player's input, part game result, complete game result, coin are withdrawed from, noncash is represented to withdraw from, or the like.In process steps 504, the data storage of critical event is at the specific memory device, one of for example above-mentioned MRAM device.For shown in this discussion, influence in the NVRAM part of MRAM1 266b of the superincumbent game machine 200 of the data storage about critical event of game machine state.In other words, MRAM1 266b is the particular memory device of this example.In the process steps 506 below, the data of storage read from this specific memory device.Conclude the particular state of game machine in process steps 508 based on the data of storage then, for example, on the game machine display, carry out concluding of game machine state, or with the form of expenditure or the ticket printed.Simultaneously, understand easily, in some cases, if be ready, step 506 and 508 order can be conversely.

In the process steps 510 below, preferably can be based on reading the storage data from particular memory device to carry out the normal game machine operation, this particular memory device is MRAM1 266b in this example.This class normal game machine operation can comprise all or part of various operation items, for example, metering changes, metering shows, recreation is selected, play games, part game result, complete game result, gaming display, coin withdraw from, noncash is represented to withdraw from, machine production is calculated, information demonstration and data communication or the like.Understand easily, much other incidents also can be classified as the normal game machine operation, and most of operation listed above can in officely mean to fix time and carry out simultaneously.Then in process steps 512, the game machine experience is to the great interruption of normal game machine operation, the various examples of the great interruption of this class comprise that power failure, great electrostatic leakage, game machine reset, key hardware fault, critical software fault, game machine tilts and to the physical damage of crucial game machine parts, or the like.

This method proceeds to process steps 514 then, and wherein preferably the input power supply by setting up stable game machine and the stabilized communication of machine interior are repaired this great interruption.For example, this class time can be used as the part generation of guiding or restarting process.As selection, may wish that implementation step 514 is not carried out this method, for example wherein external power source is not powering on or is recovering under the situation of the communication in the game machine, be adapted to from specifying safe storage device to read the data of correlation behavior, perhaps wherein such recovery is considered to destroyed or unreliable.For example, need manual intervention to give for change under the data conditions from safe storage device, as under the situation of calamitous mechanical disorder, the game machine state that checking is lost, the cancellation of step 514 is suitable.

In any case this method proceeds to process steps 516, wherein Cun Chu data are read once more from the specific memory device, are MRAM1 266b once more in this concrete example.Should notice once more that identical mram cell has dual memory function, both can be used as the storage of normal game machine operation, also can be used as safe storage, to carry out recovering state recording game machine status information when becoming at needs.After reading the data of storage, concluded once more in process steps 518 that afterwards, this method finishes in end step 520 at least a portion particular state of the game machine of concluding before the great interruption.For example, this class conclude once more can comprise items displayed on the game machine display, with some thing of the form of expenditure or the ticket printed or by recreation place, recreation network operator or other authoritative institutions by manual intervention to player or user representing.

Network and system configuration

At last with reference to Fig. 9, show the exemplary network structure that is used to provide games system with one or more selectable exemplary game machines according to an embodiment of the present invention with the form of block scheme.Games system 600 comprises one or more professional game machines, various communication item and a plurality of host computer side parts and the device that is suitable for using in game environment.As shown in the figure, be applicable to that in games system 600 the one or more professional game machine 100,200 that uses can be in a plurality of positions, for example become the unit of a group or less non-play facility on ground, recreation place.Certainly, for example other game devices of exemplary game machine 10 also can be used in the games system 400, do not describe in other details that similarly device here adds equally.

Common bus 601 can be connected to a plurality of network equipments to one or more game machines on the games system 600 or device, for example, the sub-network 630 of generic server 610, one or more private server 620, peripherals and/or database 640, or the like sundry item.This class generic server 610 may appear in order to replace or except monitoring or manage in the facility of one or more purposes of some function of one or more professional game machines, for example, and for this class game machine provides particular data or Downloadable code.For the function of this class generic server can comprise general and game-specific Account Features, the function of paying out wages, common interconnection network and e-mail capability, switch communication and subscribes and other hotel and restaurant's operation, and other supporting general facilitiess records keep and operation.In some cases, the correlation function of particular game, but for example player's function of following the tracks of download games, remote game management, visual image, video or other data transmission or other types also can be associated or be carried out by this class generic server.For example, but this class server can comprise the various players of relating to and follow the tracks of operation, player's account management, the long-range management of playing games, remote game player checking, the management of remote game management download games and/or visual image or video data storage, transmission and distribution, and can be linked to the one or more game machines that are applicable to the long-range fund transmission of playing games in the facility, in some cases, in facility, form and comprise all or all game devices that are suitable for specially or the network of machine basically.Communication can exchange to one or more relevant program or module on the generic server from each game machine that is fit to.

In one embodiment, games system 600 comprises one or more private servers, and it can be used for relating to the various functions that game machine management and operation are provided at native system.For example, but this class private server can comprise player's authentication server, current game server download games server, specified account server and/or can image or video distribution server, or the like.Certainly, these functions can be attached on the server, and for example private server 620.Owing to multiple reason needs the additional private server of this class; for example; alleviate the burden of existing generic server or separate some or all of game machine management and service data and function from the generic server isolation or with fire wall, thus the possible pattern of this generic operation of limiting access and information.

As selection, remote gaming system 600 any other Network Isolation of facility in can structure, thus make that generic server 610 is unrealistic fully and do not need.In the embodiment of arbitrary isolation or shared network, one or more private servers preferably are connected to sub-network 630.For example the peripherals in this sub-network can comprise one or more video displays 631, one or more user terminal 632, one or more printer 633 and one or more other digital input units 634, for example card reader or other security identification devices, or the like.Similarly, in the embodiment of arbitrary isolation or shared network, private server 620 or generic server 610 interior other similar parts also preferably include the connection of database or other suitable storage mediums 640 at least.

Database 640 preferably be well-suited for game machine, system equipment, recreation place personnel and/or the player who in games system, registers, etc. other potential projects, storage much or all comprises the file of relevant data or information.The file of database 640, data and other information can be stored for backup, and preferably addressable as required one or more system units, for example special game machine 100,200, generic server 610 and/or the private server 620 that is suitable for.Database 640 is also preferably addressable by the peripherals on one or more networks 630, and the information or the data that are recorded in database so if desired can easily be given for change or check at one or more peripherals.Directly be linked to common bus 610 though be shown as, it is also contemplated that and to omit so direct connection, and improve security if desired, have only to the direct connection of server or other similar devices and can exist about data file.

Though games system 600 can be specialized designs and coming of new to be used in the recreation place or play facility is realized for example system of the professional game device of game machine 100,200, a lot of projects in this system can also obtain from existing games system or adopt.For example, games system 600 can be represented existing player tracking systems, for it adds professional game machine.Simultaneously, can offer existing database 640, professional server 620 and/or generic server 610 via software, hardware or other new functions that obtains.Like this, can be by the recreation network operator of existing existing games system, for example the player tracking systems of standard by the simple modification existing system, is implemented method and system of the present invention with lower cost.Understanding easily, also may be necessary to other modifications of existing system.

Though for the clear purpose of understanding, utilized diagram and example to describe aforementioned invention in detail, should admit that under the situation that does not break away from spirit of the present invention or essential characteristic, foregoing invention can realize with multiple other concrete distortion and embodiment.Can implement some change and modification, should be appreciated that, the present invention is not limited to above-mentioned details, but is limited by the accompanying claims its scope.

Claims (47)

1. one kind is applicable to the acceptance stake, and the game machine based on stake is played games and permission is paid based on game result comprises:

Shell is set to wherein or it comprises a plurality of internal game machine parts on every side;

The primary games controller is used to control one or more aspects of described recreation, and sends instruction at least one described a plurality of internal game machine parts;

Memory hub is communicated by letter with described primary games controller and is configured to communication between convenient described primary games controller and the one or more described a plurality of internal game machine parts;

The first random access memory reluctance type memory storage, related with described primary games control, and communicate by letter with described primary games controller with described memory hub, the part of the wherein described at least first random access memory reluctance type memory storage is configured to store main game machine data or computer code thereon, for the normal game machine operation of described primary games controller use and work as described game machine when great interruption takes place as the dual purpose of safe storage with convenience gaming machine recovering state; And

The second random access memory reluctance type memory storage, related with described shell and communicate by letter with described primary games controller with described memory hub, at least a portion of the wherein said second random access memory reluctance type memory storage is configured to memory attaching game machine data or computer code thereon, be used for the recreation related, and no matter whether described primary games controller is also by such association with described shell.

2. game machine according to claim 1, it is characterized in that the one or more project choice of the described great interruption of described game machine from the group of following formation: power failure, great electrostatic leakage, game machine reset, key hardware fault, critical software fault, game machine tilt and the physical damage of crucial game machine parts.

3. game machine according to claim 1 and 2, it is characterized in that the part of the described at least first random access memory reluctance type memory storage is used for replacing alone the dynamic RAM DRAM and the nonvolatile ram NVRAM of common game structure in normal game frame structure.

4. according to the arbitrary described game machine of claim 1-3, it is characterized in that, be stored in described main game machine data on the described first random access memory reluctance type memory storage or at least a portion of computer code and be not stored in any other game machine parts except the described first random access memory reluctance type memory storage.

5. according to the arbitrary described game machine of claim 1-4, it is characterized in that, the described first random access memory reluctance type memory storage, the described second random access memory reluctance type memory storage, or the two is applicable to that all the speed to be higher than 66MHz provides games system data or the computer code of storing respectively on it to described primary games controller.

6. game machine according to claim 5, it is characterized in that, the described first random access memory reluctance type memory storage, the described second random access memory reluctance type memory storage, or the two is applicable to that all the speed to be higher than 133MHz provides games system data or the computer code of storing respectively on it to described primary games controller.

7. game machine according to claim 6, it is characterized in that, the described first random access memory reluctance type memory storage, the described second random access memory reluctance type memory storage, or the two all is applicable to about 800MHz or higher speed games system data or the computer code of storing respectively on it is provided to described primary games controller.

8. according to the arbitrary described game machine of claim 1-7, it is characterized in that, the described first random access memory reluctance type memory storage, the described second random access memory reluctance type memory storage, or the two all passes through described memory hub and described primary games controller indirect communication.

9. according to the arbitrary described game machine of claim 1-8, it is characterized in that described memory hub comprises at least one special IC.

10. according to the arbitrary described game machine of claim 1-9, it is characterized in that only having a copy of described main game machine data or computer code to be stored on the described first random access memory reluctance type memory storage.

11., it is characterized in that a plurality of copies of described main game machine data or computer code are stored on the described first random access memory reluctance type memory storage according to the arbitrary described game machine of claim 1-9.

12. according to the arbitrary described game machine of claim 1-11, it is characterized in that, be stored in main game machine data on the described first random access memory reluctance type memory storage or computer code and comprise data about the game machine state.

13. game machine according to claim 12 is characterized in that, described data about the game machine state are stored on the described first random access memory reluctance type memory storage in the priority of not distinguishing any described data during the storing process.

14. according to the arbitrary described game machine of claim 1-13, it is characterized in that, being stored in the described attached game machine data of the described second random access memory reluctance type memory storage or one or more projects of computer code selects from the group of following formation: rack continuous data, national title, account denomination, machine crop data, interim jackpot data, quantity setting and all gamer configuration data, and be described first random access memory reluctance type memory storage Backup Data or the computer code.

15. according to the arbitrary described game machine of claim 1-14, it is characterized in that, described game machine of use upgrades one of the described attached game machine data of the described second random access memory reluctance type memory storage or the one or more projects of computer code of being stored at least at every turn after playing games on described game machine.

16. according to the arbitrary described game machine of claim 1-15, it is characterized in that, also comprise:

Skull is used to hold described primary games controller, described memory hub and the described first random access memory reluctance type memory storage, and described skull can be removed from described shell; And

Postnotum is used to hold the described second random access memory reluctance type memory storage, and when described skull is removed, described postnotum can be retained in described shell.

17. one kind is applicable to the acceptance stake, the games system based on stake is played games and permission is paid based on game result comprises:

A plurality of input and output devices are used to accept stake, play games and grant expenditure based on game result;

The primary games controller is used to control one or more aspects of described recreation, and sends instruction at least one described a plurality of input and output device;

Memory hub is communicated by letter with described primary games controller and is configured to communication between convenient described primary games controller and the one or more described a plurality of input and output devices; And

The first random access memory reluctance type memory storage, related with described primary games control, and communicate by letter with described primary games controller with described memory hub, the part of the wherein described at least first random access memory reluctance type memory storage is configured to store main game machine data or computer code thereon, for the normal game machine operation of described primary games controller use and work as described game machine when great interruption takes place as the dual purpose of safe storage with convenience gaming machine recovering state.

18. games system according to claim 17, it is characterized in that, the one or more project choice of the described great interruption of described games system from the group of following formation: power failure, great electrostatic leakage, reset, the inclination and the physical damage of key hardware fault, critical software fault, critical component, these all are applicable to whole game system or its pith arbitrarily, comprise the single game machine in the described games system.

19. according to claim 17 or 18 described games systems, it is characterized in that the part of the described at least first random access memory reluctance type memory storage is used for replacing alone dynamic RAM and nonvolatile ram in normal game machine or games system framework.

20. according to the arbitrary described games system of claim 1-19, it is characterized in that the described game machine data or the computer code that are stored on the described first random access memory reluctance type memory storage are not stored in any other games system parts except the described first random access memory reluctance type memory storage.

21. according to the arbitrary described games system of claim 1-20, it is characterized in that the described first random access memory reluctance type memory storage is applicable to that the speed to be higher than 66MHz provides described games system data or the computer code of storing on it to described primary games controller.

22. games system according to claim 21, it is characterized in that the described first random access memory reluctance type memory storage is applicable to about 800MHz or higher speed provides described games system data or the computer code of storing on it to described primary games controller.

23., it is characterized in that the described first random access memory reluctance type memory storage is by described memory hub and described primary games controller indirect communication according to the arbitrary described games system of claim 17-22.

24., it is characterized in that only having a copy of described primary games system data or computer code to be stored on the described first random access memory reluctance type memory storage according to the arbitrary described games system of claim 17-22.

25. according to the arbitrary described games system of claim 17-24, it is characterized in that, be stored in games system data on the described first random access memory reluctance type memory storage or computer code and comprise data about the state of described games system or game machine in the described games system.

26. games system according to claim 25, it is characterized in that described data about games system state or game machine state are stored on the described first random access memory reluctance type memory storage in the priority of not distinguishing any described data during the storing process.

27. according to the arbitrary described games system of claim 17-26, it is characterized in that, also comprise:

Physical terminal is used for showing game result to the player of described games system;

The second random access memory reluctance type memory storage, related with described physical terminal and communicate by letter with described primary games controller with described memory hub, at least a portion of the wherein said second random access memory reluctance type memory storage is configured to memory attaching game machine data or computer code thereon, be used for the recreation related, and no matter whether described primary games controller is also by such association with described physical terminal.

28. games system according to claim 27 is characterized in that, described physical terminal comprises game machine.

29. games system according to claim 28 is characterized in that, also comprises:

Skull is used to hold described primary games controller, described memory hub and the described first random access memory reluctance type memory storage, and described skull can be removed from described game machine; And

Postnotum is used to hold the described second random access memory reluctance type memory storage, and when described skull is removed, described postnotum can be retained in described game machine.

30. games system according to claim 27, it is characterized in that, being stored in the described attached games system data of the described second random access memory reluctance type memory storage or one or more projects of computer code selects from the group of following formation: physical terminal continuous data, national title, account denomination, physical terminal crop data, jackpot data, quantity setting and all physics terminal configuration datas, and be described first random access memory reluctance type memory storage Backup Data or the computer code.

31. games system according to claim 30, it is characterized in that, after described games system is used for playing games at every turn, upgrade one of the described attached games system data of the described second random access memory reluctance type memory storage or the one or more projects of computer code of being stored at least on described physical terminal.

32. one kind is applicable to the acceptance stake, the game machine based on stake is played games and permission is paid based on game result comprises:

Display is used for showing described recreation to the player of described game machine;

The primary games controller is used to control one or more aspects of described recreation and sends instruction to described display; And

At least one main random access memory reluctance type memory storage, related with described primary games control, and communicate by letter with described primary games controller with described memory hub, wherein at least one described main random access memory reluctance type storage device configuration for storage game machine data or computer code thereon, for the normal game machine operation of described primary games controller use and when work as the great interruption of described game machine generation as the dual purpose of safe storage with convenience gaming machine recovering state.

33. game machine according to claim 32 is characterized in that, at least a portion of described at least one main random access memory reluctance type memory storage is combined in the described primary games control itself.

34. according to claim 32 or 33 described game machines, it is characterized in that described at least one main random access memory reluctance type memory storage is applicable to about 800MHz or higher speed provides described game machine data or the computer code of storing on it to described primary games controller.

35. according to the arbitrary described game machine of claim 32-34, it is characterized in that, be stored in game machine data on described at least one main random access memory reluctance type memory storage or computer code and comprise data about the game machine state.

36. game machine according to claim 35 is characterized in that, described data about the game machine state are stored on described at least one main random access memory reluctance type memory storage in the priority of not distinguishing any described data during the storing process.

37. according to the arbitrary described game machine of claim 32-36, it is characterized in that, also comprise:

At least one second random access memory reluctance type memory storage, related with described display and communicate by letter with described primary games controller, at least a portion of wherein said one second random access memory reluctance type memory storage is configured to memory attaching games system data or computer code thereon, be used for the recreation related, and no matter whether described primary games controller is also by such association with described display.

38. according to the described games system of claim 37, it is characterized in that, also comprise:

Skull is used to hold described primary games controller and one or more described at least one main random access memory reluctance type memory storage, and described skull can be removed from described game machine; And

Postnotum is used to hold one or more described at least one second random access memory reluctance type memory storage, and when described skull is removed, described postnotum can be retained in described game machine.

39. according to claim 37 or 38 described game machines, it is characterized in that, being stored in the described attached games system data of described at least one second random access memory reluctance type memory storage or one or more projects of computer code selects from the group of following formation: rack continuous data, national title, account denomination, machine crop data, jackpot data, quantity setting and all gamer configuration data, and be described at least one main random access memory reluctance type memory storage Backup Data or computer code.

40. according to the arbitrary described method of claim 37-39, it is characterized in that, described game machine of use updates stored at least one or a plurality of project of the described attached games system data of described at least one second random access memory reluctance type memory storage or computer code at every turn after playing games on described game machine.

41. the method for an operate game machine comprises:

Detect the generation of the critical event of the described game machine state of influence, described game machine is applicable to the acceptance stake, plays games based on stake, and grants expenditure according to game result;

In the data of first memory device stores related about the critical event of described detection with described game machine;

Conclude the particular state of described game machine based on the data of described storage;

Read the data of described storage from described first memory storage;

Carry out one or more normal game machine operations based on the described described storage data that read;

Great interruption at described game machine experience normal game machine operation;

Read the data of storage once more from described first memory storage, described read step once more takes place after described experience step; And

Determine the described particular state of described game machine once more based on the described described data that read once more.

42. according to the described method of claim 41, it is characterized in that, described critical event can be selected from one or more projects of the group of following formation: insert coin, insert bank note, insert that change is represented, measure to noncash, play selection, player's input, part game result, complete game result, coin withdraws from and noncash is represented to withdraw from.

43., it is characterized in that described first memory storage comprises the reluctance type memory storage according to claim 41 or 42 described methods.

44., it is characterized in that the described display of concluding that step is included in described game machine shows the data about the described particular state of at least a portion according to the arbitrary described method of claim 41-43.

45. according to the arbitrary described method of claim 41-44, it is characterized in that the one or more project choice of described great interruption from the group of following formation of the normal game machine operation that takes place at described game machine: powers failure, great electrostatic leakage, game machine reset, the physical damage of key hardware fault, critical software fault, game machine inclination and crucial game machine parts.

46. according to the arbitrary described method of claim 41-45, it is characterized in that at least one described one or more normal game machine operation is from the group selection of following formation: metering changes, metering shows, recreation is selected, play games, part game result, complete game result, gaming display, coin withdraw from, noncash is represented to withdraw from, the machine crop is calculated, information demonstration and data communication.

47. according to the arbitrary described method of claim 41-46, it is characterized in that, further comprising the steps of:

After described experience step, set up the stabilized power source and the interior stabilized communication of described game machine that are input to described game machine.

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